Grand Canal

The Grand Canal, dating from the fifth century BC, is the longest and oldest man-made waterway in the world, stretching 1,115 miles (1,794 kilometers) from Beijing to Hangzhou. This engineering marvel, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was designed to facilitate trade and transport. Today, some sections of the canal remain in use, allowing visitors to witness the historical and functional significance of this ancient waterway. The canal’s enduring presence offers a tangible link to China’s rich past and its continued importance in the modern era.