Britannica AI Icon

New Bian Canal

canal, China [605]
Also known as: New Pien Canal

Quick Summary

The New Bian Canal was a historic waterway in eastern China, constructed starting in 605 CE during the Sui dynasty. This canal linked the Huang He (Yellow River) to the Huai River, and subsequently, via the Shanyang Canal, to the Yangtze River. Emperor Yang forced millions of laborers to build it under harsh conditions, resulting in immense loss of life. The New Bian Canal served as a crucial transport route during the Tang and Northern Song dynasties, facilitating the movement of grain to northern China. However, its importance diminished with the construction of the Grand Canal during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, and it eventually fell into disrepair. A modern waterway also named the New Bian Canal was built between 1966 and 1970 for flood control and irrigation, also providing transport facilities.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.