THE world-renowned Jinghang Grand Canal is applying for the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage title this year. The section in Hangzhou, which is about 12 kilometers, has the largest number of historical sites compared with the rest of the canal. A journey along the canal will allow you to have a taste of the thousand-year history in Hangzhou. Why not take a trip to Hangzhou and experience the culture and history along the canal in the warm month of May.

    Grand Canal

    The Grand Canal is one of the greatest projects constructed in ancient China. It is the world’s oldest and longest canal, far surpassing the next two grand canals of the world: the Suez and Panama canals. The canal begins in the north at Beijing and ends at Hangzhou. It is nearly 1,800 kilometers long with 24 locks and some 60 bridges.

    The building of the Grand Canal began in 486 B.C. and was finally finished in 604.

    The canal connects the Yangtze River, Yellow River, Huaihe River, Haihe River and Qiantang River, and flows through Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas. Today, it continues to function as an important waterway.

    Beautiful scenes

    Along the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal, there are many well-preserved historical sites, including Gongchen Bridge, Guotangxing and Fengshan Gate.

    Gongchen Bridge may be the most well-known spot along the canal. The bridge is the highest and longest stone arch bridge among the ancient bridges in Hangzhou and marks the end of the Grand Canal. The bridge is still in use and remains as charming as ever.

    Other ancient bridges that remain today include Desheng Bridge, Daguan Bridge, Dengyun Bridge, and Guangji Bridge.

    The Fengshan Water Gate across the canal is now the only ancient city wall and gate that still stands in Hangzhou. Located in downtown Hangzhou, the water gate has played a significant role in the operation of the canal since the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368). In ancient China, it was an important hub to connect the canal to the Qiantang River.

    Leisure activities

    There are many leisure activities in the historical areas along the canal.

    Xiaohe Street Historic Block is a place recommended to experience the beauty of the canal in Hangzhou. Located at the junction of the canal, the Xiaohe River and Yuhangtang River, the street was the land and water transportation center for goods from southern to northern China since the Song Dynasty (960-1279). At present, the street is still home to ancient workshops, stores, wharfs and other historical relics. The waterfront storehouses flanking the street feature white walls and black tiles, typical of water towns in the Jiangnan area.

    Other similar blocks in the areas include Dadou Road Block and West Bridge Block.

    Due to the canal’s important role in connecting ancient southern and northern China, it has developed many special delicacies over thousands of years, making Zhejiang cuisine one of the “eight greatest cuisines of China.”

    The most well-known dishes in the area include Longjing shrimp, Dongpo pork and beggar’s chicken.

    Transport: Fly to Hangzhou from Shenzhen airport and take a taxi to the Grand Canal Scenic Area. Ticket for entering the area is 100 yuan per person.

    (Wang Yuanyuan)