In the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the southern Chinese mainland, a game-changing waterway is taking shape. Stretching 134.2Â kilometers from the Xijin Reservoir in Hengzhou to the Beibu Gulf, the Pinglu Canal is on track for completion in 2026. As the first major canal linking inland waterways with the sea, it promises to reshape trade routes across southwest China.
Built to Class I inland waterway standards, the canal will accommodate 5,000-tonne vessels and integrate navigation with water supply, irrigation, flood control, and ecological improvement. Key components include the main waterway, navigation hubs, upgraded water conservancy infrastructure, river-crossing structures, and support facilities—backed by a total investment of 72.7 billion yuan.
The project’s centerpiece is the Madao Junction, where engineers confront a 65-meter elevation gap between inland waters and sea level. Here, the world’s largest inland water-saving ship lock is rising. This double-lane lock spans 300 meters in length, 34 meters in width, and 8 meters in depth, with a maximum operating head of 29.6 meters. Its three water-saving chambers retain 60% of the water used to lift vessels, cutting waste and preserving resources.
When fully operational, the Pinglu Canal will shorten shipping routes to the sea by over 560Â kilometers for cargo ships from southwest China, creating the most direct inland access to ASEAN markets. By speeding up logistics and lowering transport costs, it will serve as a vital artery for regional integration and global trade.
Beyond commerce, the canal supports Guangxi’s “one zone, two hubs, one base, and one corridor” initiative, transforming resource advantages into new growth drivers. As a strategic gateway, it will boost domestic and international economic flows and contribute to the high-quality development of western China.
Reference(s):
Pinglu Canal to feature world's largest Iinland water-saving ship lock
cgtn.com
