The Grand Canal from Beijing to Hangzhou

The Grand Canal from Beijing to Hangzhou

Along the canal, sites such as the Linquan Ancestral Garden, rice market warehouses, ancient pier charm, the silhouette of Nan Chan Pagoda, the elegance of old bridges, and traditional homes along the old streets form a historical gallery of this renowned Jiangnan city, hailed by overseas visitors as a “magical journey to the East.”

Route: Wu Bridge – Huangbugang

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Sanli Bridge (Rice Market)

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Minzhu Street (Catholic Church)

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Qiancaijia Lane (Residences)

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Jiangjian Park (Paper Industry Guild)

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Lianrong Bridge (Silk and Money Guild)

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Dacheng Lane (Zhang Jian’s Study Place)

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Renmin Bridge

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Rihui Lane (Residences)

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Xishuidun (Ancient Theater Stage)

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Maoin Flour Mill

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Jiankang Road (Qinshi Mansion)

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Former Residence of Qian Songyan

→ Nanchang Bridge (Ancient Archway)

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Nanchan Temple

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Nanchang Street (Old Street)

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Qingming Bridge

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Bodu (Bridge)

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Dayao Road (Ancient Kiln Sites)

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Ferry Boat → Nanchang Street (Nanshui Xian Temple)

Wu Bridge

The section from Wu Bridge along the canal to the old Sanli Bridge is called Wuqiao East Road. This bridge was funded and built by Wu Zijing, who was born in the 13th year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1874). Standing on Wu Bridge, you can look up at Xishan and Huishan mountains, and look down at the docks and Huangbugang.

Huangbugang

A few dozen meters along Wuqiao East Road, you can see a round island surrounded by water in the side canal—this is Huangbugang, said to be the site left behind by Chunshen Jun (Huang Xie) during his management of Furong Lake in the Warring States period. It covers an area of 220 square meters. In the Kunming Lake area of Beijing’s Summer Palace, there is a “Fenghuang Dun” (Phoenix Islet) built in imitation of Wuxi’s Huangbugang.

Renmin Bridge

After crossing Lianrong Bridge, take Jiefang West Road southward, and you’ll soon arrive at the West Gate. The bridge over the canal at the West Gate is now called Renmin Bridge. It is said to be the oldest bridge in Wuxi with recorded historical documentation.

Xishuidun (Ancient Theater Stage)

Between Xishuidun and Maoxin Flour Mill lies a covered bridge. Sitting on the bridge, you’ll be greeted by the dark-tiled roof of Liuhou Temple and the red walls of the flour mill. The second hall of Liuhou Temple features a theater stage, where traditional opera performances are still held during Chinese festivals such as Lantern Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival on this well-preserved ancient stage.