Woven through Hangzhou lies the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s longest man-made waterway.
Its earliest sections date to the 5th century BCE, with completion linking Beijing to Hangzhou during the Sui dynasty (581–618 AD). Rebuilt by Emperor Yang Guang to connect north and south, this major artery linked scenic provinces and five major rivers, including the Yellow and Yangtze.
Journeying its long eventful 1,800km reveals ancient stone bridges and old wharves alongside modern Hangzhou. You’ll see how it is as significant today as it was 1,500 years ago.
