Grand Canal

Introduction to Grand Canal （大运河）

The Grand Canal of Hangzhou, which is also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is the longest ancient canal in the world. It was first built in Sui Dynasty. The Grand Canal connected the north and the south in ancient times. It acts as an important role on increasing the economic, politic, and cultural communication between the north and the south. It is an architectural wonder in the world!

The canals of the town eventually join up with the famous local waterway known as the Grand Canal, located to the west of the city. It is believed to be the largest internal waterway in the world, and was originally constructed to carry tribute grain from the Yangzi plain to the capital. Marco Polo, who visited Suzhou in the 13th century.  For some of the best sightseeing of Hangzhou you will defintely capture some of the best moment of the city whilst travelling along the Grand Canal. 

Location

The end of Xizha Street to the west, near Bailianta Temple, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province.

Travel Information

Admission Fee: No charge
Opening Hours: No limits
Best Time to Visit: March - May, September - November

Transportation 

• Take No.70 or 591 to get off at Gongchen Station
• Take No.1/ 13/ 26/ 28/ 102/ 126/ 188/ 199/ 216/ 221/ 228/ 265 to get off at Wulin Gate Station
  

Travel Tips 

• The scenery along the river bank in the evening is glorious with colorful lights. There are many locals doing exercise here in addition to busk performance.
• Take public boat costs you less money. Ticket fare: RMB 3. Route: Wulin Gate wharf-Gongchen bridge. It runs every 15 minutes, 30-40 minutes for a whole course.