Grand Canal

Introducing Jinghang Grand Canal
There are two wonders in China, one is the Great Wall, and the other is the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. For its size and grandeur, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal has always been regarded as the pride of Chinese people and a symbol of Chinese cultural achievement. As the earliest, greatest and longest artificial river in the world, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is of great historical and cultural importance.

Jinghang Grand Canal Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Jinghang Dayunhe 京杭大运河
• Best Time to Visit: March to May; September to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Chinese History and Culture, Ancient Technology
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

What to expect at Jinghang Grand Canal

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal has a history of 1,300 years with its eldest part dating back to the 5th century BC. Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal starts in Beijing and ends in Hangzhou. The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal passes through Tianjin City and the Provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. and links the two longest rivers in China — the Yellow River and Yangtze River. The total length of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is 1,794 kilometers and it took 1,799 years to form its current shape and size.

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal was first dug to transport grain and luxuries to Beijing. Later, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal was used by merchants to ship commodities which made the its corridor develop into a prosperous economic belt. Meanwhile,the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal served as a powerful force for unifying Chinese culture and integrating Chinese politics. The Emperor’s River was another name given to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal by foreign visitors because of its strong connection with numerous Chinese Emperors. In Chinese history, many Emperors from different dynasties made ship-trips along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal to Southern China. In the Qing Dynasty, Kangxi and Qianlong Emperors made twelve adventurous trips to the south.

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal’s significant role in China’s culture, economy and politics blessed it with numerous historical and cultural landscapes and earned it the title —- the Gallery of Chinese History, Ancient Technology, and Local Customs.

How to get to Jinghang Grand Canal

By Bus
• Take bus No. 1 or 79 to Yunhe Tiandi Station.
• Take bus No. 192, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 211, 217, 218, 223, 265A, 267, 318, 535, B-7, B-7A or 991 to Wulin Guangchang Station.

By Metro
• Take Metro Line 5 and get off at Grand Canal Station.
• Take Metro Line 1 and get off at Wulin Square Station.

Additional travel advice on Jinghang Grand Canal
• Visitors can experience a canal cruise by water bus at Grand Canal Tiandi, Pujia or Wulinmen. The ticket is ¥3/person.