Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, China

Nowadays everyone in the world knows about the Great Wall of China and even those who have never been to China. The Chinese Grand Canal is another unique attraction which undeservedly remains outside many travellers’ attention. However, it is the Grand Canal that is one of the longest navigable canals of the planet with the length of 1794 km. It runs from north to south from the city of Hangzhou to Beijing. It was originally built to facilitate trade.

Its first section between the Yangtze and the Yellow River was built in the 5th century BC. And the length extended approximately to 150 km. Improvement work for the extension of the canal has been taken place up to the 13th century. The canal was constructed over a 2000-year period. Its minimum width is 40 metres and the maximum one is 350 metres. This section of the canal lies in the territory of Shanghai.

Like many other waterways, the Chinese Grand Canal of today has no former economic significance and is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. There are many big cities on the Grand Canal as well as charming farmlands. More than 15 large settlements are located along the entire course of the waterway, so visitors have always a place to stay and boat trips will for sure make the holiday unforgettable. Next - Le Canal du Midi