Jiangnan Canal

The Jiangnan Canal is a section of the Grand Canal in eastern China, connecting Zhenjiang on the Yangtze River to Hangzhou. This waterway, part of the world's longest constructed canal system, was crucial for transporting grain from the fertile Yangtze River valley to feed northern China's population and armies.1

The oldest parts of the Grand Canal date back to the 4th century BCE, with significant construction during the Sui dynasty (607 CE) and later during the Yuan dynasty to supply the capital at Beijing. While the northern sections of the canal fell into disrepair in the 19th century, the southern parts, including the Jiangnan Canal, remain important for domestic trade and irrigation. The Grand Canal is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.12