The 1,794-kilometer-long Grand Canal -- the longest man-made waterway -- was considered the greatest of its kind in ancient China. Running from Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province in the south to Beijing in the north of China, and connecting different river systems, the Grand Canal contributed greatly to ensuring that China's primary economy thrived in past dynasties. Even today, some parts of the canal are still in use, mainly functioning as a water-diversion conduit.

The canal was built section by section in different areas and dynasties before it was linked up in the Sui Dynasty (581-618). In 604, Emperor Yangdi of the Sui Dynasty toured Luoyang (now a city in Henan Province ). The following year, he moved the Sui capital to Luoyang and ordered a large-scale expansion of the Grand Canal. Primitive construction techniques stretched the project over six years. Approximately one-half of the peasant builders (about three million) died due to hard labor and famine before the project was complete. This canal was considered wasteful in terms of manpower and money, which resulted in the downfall of the Sui Dynasty.

As a major transportation vehicle of past dynasties, the Grand Canal, which joined river systems from different directions, facilitated the transport of food and other goods from the south to the north of China. It also greatly improved the country's administration and defense as a whole and strengthened economic and cultural bridge between the north and south.

Boating along the old Chinese canal is one of the best ways to get a panoramic view of the surrounding typical river-town landscape of southern China, which includes ancient dwellings, traditional stone bridges and historical relics. Experiencing some of the local customs along the way also offers travelers much delight. Tourists also have an opportunity to enjoy good food while appreciating the surrounding scenery.

Like the Great Wall , the Grand Canal is noted as one of the most magnificent and wondrous constructions in ancient China, which can offer a profound look into China's fascinating history.

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