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Grand Canal China
The Grand Canal located in China is not only the oldest, but longest as well in the whole world. In reality, this canal exceeds the second and third largest canals put jointly, Panama Canal and the Suez canals. During the reign of the Wu Dynasty in 486 BC, the Grand Canal was initially brought under construction. After that it was expanded during the reign of the Qi Dynasty and next again during the reign of Sui Dynasty under the supremacy of Emperor Yangdi.
The canal constructed during the era of Emperor Yang Di of Sui, nonetheless, performed a significant role in enhancing communication between north and south, encouraging economic and cultural exchange and fortifying the unification of the nation. Afterwards, during the reign of the Yuan Dynasty, the Grand Canal was expanded more, giving rise to the full-scale Beijing to Hangzhou canal as it is at present.
The Grand Canal, similar to the Great Wall, is an exceedingly astounding development in the history of Chinese civilization.
Because of primal building methods, this second extension took six years from 605 to 610 AD, and comprised hard labor. It should be noted that it took approximately 6,000,000 workers to finish this second extension and because of the inhospitable conditions and massive work, about, 3,000,000 of those people died from the hard labor and hunger. During the period, many were of the opinion that the effort was a total misuse of human life and money and was responsible to a great extent for the collapse of this dynasty.
At present, the length of the Grand Canal is about 1,200 miles long, stretching from Hangzhou in the Zhejian province situated in the south of China to Beijing, positioned in the northern part of the country. In addition, the Grand Canal links several river systems to embrace the Yangtze, Yellow Huaihe, Quiantang, and Haihe Rivers, and next at the southern end, runs through Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Zhejiang.
Supporting China's economy
- This colossal construction has been an enormous support to the Chinese economy, guarantying the progress of the country.
- Even though the canal is at present in excess of 2,000 years old, several parts of it are still being utilized as a water diversion conduit.
- By means of this grand waterway, food and other goods can be moved from the south to the north.
- One more enormous advantage other than improving cultural ties and the local economies is that the Grand Canal has enhanced the security and administration of China.
For tourists, the Grand Canal presents the most excellent way for getting pleasure from the outstanding scenery and landscaping of the country observed along the river towns. By undertaking a boat journey along the canal, one can see ancient residences, historical relics, and stone bridges, while being provided with delicious, genuine Chinese food.