How does the Grand Canal connect with the Yangtze River?

The Grand Canal connects with the Yangtze River in the vicinity of the city of Zhenjiang in Jiangsu province.12

Historically, the canal was designed to facilitate the transport of grain from the agriculturally productive Yangtze and Huai river valleys to northern capital cities. The canal system is divided by the Yangtze into two primary segments:13

• Northern Section: A stretch extending from Huaiyin south to Zhenjiang on the Yangtze, following the ancient Shanyang Canal.1
• Southern Section: Known as the Jiangnan Yunhe, this portion runs south of the Yangtze, continuing southeast and southwest through Suzhou toward Hangzhou.1

In addition to its historical role as a transport artery, the canal is currently used to divert water from the Yangtze into northern Jiangsu province to support irrigation and agriculture.1