Overview:

The Grand Canal in China, also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is a vast network of canals and waterways that were created during the Sui (581–618) and the subsequent Tang (618–907) dynasties for serving the region’s agricultural and commercial needs. It runs more than 1,100 miles (1,800 kilometers) from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south, effectively linking five of China’s major rivers. It is the world’s longest man-made waterway and has often been considered an engineering marvel. In 2014, the Grand Canal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. Completion Date: Built over 2,500 years ago, the Grand Canal was largely completed by 605 A.D. 2. Length: The Grand Canal is the longest canal in the world and stretches for around 1,795 miles (2,880 km) from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south. 3. Accessibility: Along its route, the Grand Canal’s many canals provide many connections to other rivers, such as the Yellow, Huai, and Yangtze rivers. 4. Historic Significance: The Grand Canal is a profound testament to Chinese engineering and a reminder of the nation’s long and influential history. 5. Trade Route: During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Grand Canal was a major trade route which connected the world’s most powerful nations. 6. Monumental Construction: Its construction and maintenance was a massive undertaking which involved the collaboration of tens of thousands of workers. 7. World Heritage Site: The Grand Canal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 in recognition of its cultural and historical significance. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Grand Canal in China has been in existence since the 5th century BC. The first parts of the river were built by the ruler of the State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period. The canal was initially used for irrigation and to ease transportation of grain between the north and south of China. In the 5th century AD, the Sui Dynasty restored the parts of the canal that had deteriorated. Under the Tang and Song Dynasties, the scale of the canal was further extended and it was fully completed in the 14th century. The Grand Canal acted as a link between the Yellow River and Yangtze River and its total length is around 1,776 kilometers. During the Ming Dynasty, around 100,000 laborers were recruited to dredge the canal and its mud banks. It was used to transport grain and other goods, but in the 16th century, it was mainly used to transport troops between the north and the south. By the mid-19th century, the Grand Canal had become the world’s most populous canal and it was used to transport up to 2.44 million tons of cargo annually. The Grand Canal was used as a major transportation route until the late 19th century. As motorized transportation became more widely available, the canal gradually became obsolete. It remained in use until 1937, when the Sino-Japanese War began. The route was heavily bombed and destroyed, and has since been mostly abandoned. Recently, there have been efforts to restore parts of the canal, but these efforts are unlikely to have much impact on the overall usage of the canal as a transportation route. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Grand Canal is the world’s oldest and largest man-made waterway, and is an engineering marvel even in modern times. 2. It is estimated that there are over 1,700 historical bridges, canals and bridges along the 1,800-mile route. 3. The Grand Canal was completed during the Sui Dynasty (589-616) by Emperor Yangdi, who, despite great opposition from his court, still managed to accomplish this feat. 4. The Grand Canal has been a major artery for China’s trade and transportation for more than two thousand years. 5. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the canal was at its peak, and 10,000 boats, including grain barges, ferried freight along the route. 6. The Grand Canal is still actively used today, and is dotted with scenes of daily life along the banks. 7. The canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been recognized internationally for its historical importance and continued cultural significance. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era