Suzhou Ancient Grand Canal
The ancient city of Suzhou has become a paradise for thousands of merchants due to the Beijing - Hangzhou Grand Canal. So far almost half of Suzhou's cargo volume depends on waterways. The ancient Suzhou Canal, as part of the Beijing - Hangzhou Grand Canal, surrounds the beautiful city like a jade belt.
The canal is not only a green corridor around Suzhou, but also connects many historical and cultural monuments in Suzhou, which is why Suzhou has become a popular travel destination for Chinese and foreign travelers.
History of Suzhou Ancient Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is a vast waterway system that runs along the northern and central plains of eastern China following a north-south path, from Beijing to the southern province of Zhejiang. It was built in successive segments starting in the 5th century BC.
Under the reign of the Sui dynasty, in the 7th century AD, it was planned to transform it into a unified means of communication and transportation for the entire Empire. This gave rise to the completion of gigantic works that made the Grand Canal the largest and most vast engineering work in the world, before the advent of the Industrial Revolution. An authentic column of the internal communication and transportation system of the Empire, the canal facilitated not only the circulation of cereals and raw materials of great importance, but also the supply of rice to the populations.
In the 13th century it already included a network of artificial waterways more than 2,000 kilometers long that linked the five most important river basins in China. The Grand Canal once played an important role in promoting the country's economic prosperity and stability and remains, today, one of the most important means of communication and transportation in inland China.
Attractions Along Suzhou Ancient Grand Canal
Along the Grand Ancient Canal in Suzhou there are many beautiful attractions such as the ruins of the Suzhou ancient wall, Pan Gate, Guxu Gate and Midu Bridge. Actually, on both sides of the canal, there are tall buildings on one side and typical old buildings on the other, reflecting ancient and modern, with a harmonious view, making people feel the charm of Suzhou in different eras. When night comes and the lanterns are lit, the scenery along the old canal becomes even more enchanting. Travelers feel like they are in a water paradise in the shadow of lights, fully feeling the unique charm of Suzhou, the eastern water city.
There are 20 historic bridges over the Suzhou Grand Canal, so the canal is considered a bridge museum. These old bridges go through the vicissitudes of history, becoming more charming. Some bridges are carved with various drawings that can be seen better from the boat. Among them, the Midu Bridge, with a single span, is the best preserved.
Things to Do on Suzhou Ancient Grand Canal
Taking a cruise along the Grand Old Canal is very popular with travelers. Currently, the permitted cruising section is the ancient city moat. The cruise from Xinshiqiao Pier to Shantang Street is the essence of the entire canal, because you can not only admire the historical towers, but also the prosperous old Shantang Street and the old buildings on the shore. Apart from the above attractions, the night cruise is particularly unforgettable, as the colorful lights, as well as the beautiful singing on the painted boat, all of this is too romantic.
