As dawn breaks over Zhejiang Province, the 1,700-year-old Jinghang Grand Canal awakens as both an engineering marvel and living chronicle of China's economic resilience. This UNESCO World Heritage site once transported grains, silk, and ceramic treasures across dynasties – today, it serves as a liquid ribbon connecting history with modernity.
Spanning 1,794 kilometers, the canal sustained ancient China's economy through turbulent eras. The Maojiadu Bridge offers travelers panoramic views of canal-side towns where traditional boat-building yards neighbor eco-conscious startups repurposing historical infrastructure for sustainable tourism.
Cultural strategist Li Wei notes, \"What began as an imperial project now fuels regional development – over 40% of Zhejiang's cultural tourism revenue flows through canal-adjacent businesses.\" Recent restoration projects blend ancient hydrological wisdom with AI-powered water management systems, creating blueprints for heritage preservation worldwide.
Reference(s):
Live: View of Jinghang Grand Canal in China's Zhejiang Province
cgtn.com
