Changzhou Ancient Canal () is a 44.2-kilometre canal in China, which runs in the southeast–northwest direction in Changzhou of

Jiangsu Jiangsu (; ; pinyin: Jiāngsū, Postal romanization, alternatively romanized as Kiangsu or Chiangsu) is an Eastern China, eastern coastal Provinces of the People's Republic of China, province of the China, People's Republic of China. It is o ...

Province,

China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, slightly ahead of India. China spans the equivalent of five time zones and ...

History

The Changzhou Ancient Canal is part of the Grand Canal, part of the

Jiangnan Jiangnan or Jiang Nan (; formerly romanized Kiang-nan, literally "South of the River" meaning "South of the Yangtze") is a geographic area in China referring to lands immediately to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, incl ...

canal section which was dug in the

Sui dynasty The Sui dynasty (, ) was a short-lived imperial dynasty of China that lasted from 581 to 618. The Sui unified the Northern and Southern dynasties, thus ending the long period of division following the fall of the Western Jin dynasty, and layi ...

(581–618 CE). Standing in Piling Station (in Chinese: 毗陵驿) which is located on the north shore of the canal has kept looking at the transport fleet in the canal. Piling station is one of the largest ancient China waterway stations. It was responsible for passing the emperors' imperial edicts and writs about military situations. Besides, it also used to receive high-ranking officials which is famous in Jiangnan. For nearly two thousand years, the ancient canal has been the largest river of Changzhou, forming the specific features and cultural characteristics of Changzhou, which is a city owning pink wall and black tile, a small bridge over the flowing stream, plowing people and people living along the river. The businessmen trade, canal water transport, wood, rice, bean, fruit, tea industry and the national industry and commerce have contributed to the economic and historical culture of Changzhou. The ancient canal has rich human resources and places of interest (including several archeological sites), and the protection and cultivation of these unique intangible cultural heritages has very significant and profound influence on the development of Changzhou. During the 28th World Heritage Convention, the Chinese related department prepared to apply the canal as the alternative project of the

World Heritage Site A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for h ...

with other 17 cities.

Description

The headwater of the Changzhou Ancient Canal is derives from Grate Kei Lane and reaches Dongpo Park () in the north. If one takes the Huafang Ship from Grate dustpan-shaped vessel lane wharf from which

Qianlong Emperor The Qianlong Emperor (25 September 17117 February 1799), also known by his temple name Emperor Gaozong of Qing, born Hongli, was the fifth Emperor of the Qing dynasty and the fourth Qing emperor to rule over China proper, reigning from 1735 t ...

has asored several times, there is an ancient alley full of historical sites, archaic rhyme and literary quotations. The hundred-meter-long alley contains Piling station, Huaghua Pavilion and Grate beam lights, Along the ancient canal from Hangzhou to Changzhou, one passes the Outfitting the boat Pavilion, also called Dongpo Outfitting the boat Pavilion because it is related to Su Shi. Today, with the Outfitting of the boat Pavilion (in Chinese: 舣舟亭) being the centre, it formed the Dongpo Park which combines Changzhou Ancient Canal, historical sites and new sceneries. Dongpo Washing inkstone, Beiting Qianlong, and Imperial Wharf
(in Chinese: 御码头) all belonged to the city heritage objects. The Dongpo Park has been the best position for overlooking the grand Changzhou Ancient Canal.

Notes and References

{{coord missing, Jiangsu Canals in China Transport in Changzhou