Grand Canal of China
China has always topped the list of favorite destinations in Asia. The multiplicity and the vivacity of the country attract many people from all over the world. China has a distinct culture and lifestyle. One of the most preferred cuisines of the world is Chinese cuisines. The Great Wall of China is among the Seven Wonders of the World. Hilan and Leshan are the most picturesque places in China.
The Grand Canal of China is the largest artificial waterway (canal) in the globe. Being 1800 kms long, this canal is one of the Chinese masterpieces. There are around 60 bridges and 24 lock gates on this canal. This ancient waterway joins Hangzhou and Beijing, the two major Cities of China.
History behind the Grand Canal of China
The Grand Canal of China was built in 436 BC, in the reign of Zhou Dynasty. In the reign of Sui Dynasty, the canal was connected with northern regions so that the rice fields of the north China gets the benefit. The ancient courses of canal are as follows:
- Nanyang New Canal
- Duke Huan's Conduit
- Huitong Canal
- Jia Canal
- Yilou Canal
- Jizhou Canal
The Modern path of Grand Canal
The modern path of Grand Canal is divided into seven portions. They are:
Jiangnan Canal-
The southernmost course of this canal is known as Jiangnan Canal. This section connects Hangzhou city to Qiantang River and Yangtze River. This course of canal covers few cities of China, like Zhenjiang, Wuxi, Jiaxing, Changzhou and Suzhou. Tourists can enjoy a cruise of this canal and can visit the nearby tourist attractions here. You can also visit Fuzi Temple or Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum located on the banks of Jiagnan.
Zhong Canal-
The course of the Grand Canal is also known as the 'middle canal'. The section of the Grand Canal runs between Huaian city and Weishan Lake. Plenty of hotels and resorts are located near Zhong canal and plenty of shops are located nearby, selling local artifacts and handcrafted items.
Northern Canal and Tonghui River-
The northern canal takes a northwestern turn and moves towards the tributary of Hai-Yongding. The canal turns to the Tongzhou city and ends at Grand Canal Cultural Park, which is a destination worth visiting. Visit the spectacular Gaobeidian Village located near the canal and get a glimpse of the grand ancient gate on the Huitong River.
Li Canal-
This course of Grand Canal moves from Yangtze to Huai'an, touching Hongze, Shaobo and Gaoyou lakes. The western part of the course is a flood-prone area. Tourists here can enjoy beautiful reefs and the spectacular views of Xiling Gorge near Yangtze River.The famous Sanyou Dong and uangling Temple is also located on the banks of the river.
Southern Canal-
Contrary to its name, the course lies in the northern part of Chinese Grand Canal. The canal section runs through Cangzhou and Dezhou cities and falls in Hai River. You can enjoy touring around the cities and can enjoy the famous tourist attractions located nearby, like, the King Kong Pavilion and the Muslim North Temple.
Lu Canal-
The Lu Canal is also known as Shandong Canal. The nearby tourist attractions are Railway Guerrilla Memorial Park, Xiongershan National Geopark and Pomegranate garden mu.
Summing Up
One of the major ways of transportation in olden days was the waterways. Apart from using canal for irrigation, it was also prominently used as the path of communication in China. From the ancient times, the Grand Canal of China was used as the route to transport grain and other things, which made China a prosperous country. The waterway has also helped in unifying China politically and economically. It has become one of the major tourist attractions in China due to its wide span and magnificence.
