The Beijing section of the Grand Canal Photo: Yang Lanlan/CSST

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The Chinese canal holds a unique position in the history of world canals. Canal construction in China dates back to ancient times, tracing its origins to the Xia (c. 21st century–16th century BCE), Shang (c. 16th century–11th century BCE), and Western Zhou (c. 11th century BCE–771 BCE) dynasties. The canal’s extensive length, enduring history, and the complexity of its engineering are unparalleled worldwide. Some scholars believe that the canal, spanning from north to south, serves as a link between ancient and modern times, making canal culture an important component of traditional Chinese culture. 

World heritage site

In June 2014, at the 38th World Heritage Conference of UNESCO in Doha, the “Grand Canal” was approved for inclusion. This decision was based on the Grand Canal’s status as the longest and oldest artificial waterway in the world, as well as the largest and most extensive civil engineering project prior to the Industrial Revolution. The canal facilitated the exchange of goods between the north and south of China and the unified jurisdiction of territory, reflecting the wisdom, determination, and courage of the Chinese people, as well as the outstanding achievements of Eastern civilizations in water conservancy technologies and management capabilities.

The Grand Canal of China can be regarded as a common historical memory of the Chinese nation. Originating in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE), it underwent repairment and enhancement by the Sui (581-618), Tang (618-907), Song (960-1279), Yuan(1271-1368), Ming(1368-1644), and Qing(1644-1911) dynasties. Its water shimmers today,  linking the five major water systems of the Qiantang River, Yangtze River, Huai River, Yellow River, and Hai River, making important contributions to China’s political and economic development, ethnic integration and unity, social progress, and cultural prosperity.

The Grand Canal is mainly composed of the Sui and Tang Grand Canal, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, and the Zhejiang East Canal.  

Sui & Tang Grand Canal 

The Sui and Tang Grand Canal was originally constructed in 605, the first year of Emperor Yang of Sui. After ascending the throne, Emperor Yang of Sui organized large-scale canal excavation, a development closely tied to the unique historical context at the time. The excavation of the Sui and Tang Grand Canal not only strengthened the rule over the southern region, but also enabled a continuous flow of goods from the south to the north, which was beneficial for political and social stability. After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, dredging, trimming, and excavation of the Grand Canal continued. The opening of the Sui and Tang Grand Canal laid the groundwork for the political and cultural integration of the northern and southern regions, maintaining a climate of great unity.

Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal   

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal runs from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south, flowing through six provinces and cities including Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, with a total length of 1,794 kilometers. The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal was built during the Yuan Dynasty. Following the Yuan Dynasty’s establishment of its capital in Beijing, the political center shifted northward, but the country still relied on the supply of food from the south. In light of this, Emperor Kublai Khan of the Yuan Dynasty presided over the excavation of the Jizhou River, Huitong River, Tonghui River, etc., ultimately forming the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal of the Yuan Dynasty. The completed Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal traveled northward from Jiangsu, passing through Shandong and arriving in Beijing. This route was about 900 kilometers shorter than passing around the Sui and Tang Grand Canal.  The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, in modern sense, has thus been formed. 

The central court of the Ming and Qing dynasties attached great importance to the Caoyun (water transportation of grain) system of the Grand Canal. Through the governance and renovation of local governments throughout history, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal has perfectly played its role connecting the south and the north.

Zhejiang East Canal

The Zhejiang East Canal, also known as the Hangyong Canal, is located in Zhejiang Province and traces its origins to the “Shanyin Old Canal” of the Yue State during the Spring and Autumn Period. The Zhejiang East Canal also enjoyed historical prosperity, serving not only for irrigation and water storage, but also fulfilling its core functions in shipping and transportation, thereby driving the prosperity of coastal cities.

Furthermore, Ningbo, situated at the eastern section of the Zhejiang East Canal, marks the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. This location serves as the nexus between the Overland Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road, bolstering not only the north-south connection but also fostering global cultural exchanges and economic development.

Scholars have emphasized the indispensable role of the canal throughout the more than 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization. It has contributed to the formation, development, and unification of a diverse, multi-ethnic nation, as well as the integration and inclusivity of various regional civilizations within the Chinese civilization sphere. 

Additionally, the canal has facilitated the absorption and exchanges of Chinese civilization with extraterritorial civilizations. Grand Canal culture represents a vital aspect of China’s fine traditional culture, and efforts should be made to protect, preserve, and utilize it, rejuvenating it in contemporary times. This important discourse has significant strategic guidance value for the work of the Grand Canal in the new era. Protecting the Grand Canal and its related canal culture is essential for the building of modern Chinese civilization. 

Zhang Li is from the School of Marxism at Hunan University of Science and Technology.

Edited by ZHAO YUAN