The Ancient Canal of Yangzhou

The Ancient Canal of Yangzhou

The Ancient Canal of Yangzhou is a national water conservancy scenic area.

Introduction: The Ancient Canal of Yangzhou is a section of the Grand Canal connecting north and south China, ordered to be excavated by Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty. Its origins can be traced back to the Han Ditch, dug in 486 BC by King Fuchai of the Wu Kingdom, making it the oldest section of the Grand Canal. Without the ancient canal, there would be no ancient city of Yangzhou—the Ancient Canal of Yangzhou is the “mother river” of Yangzhou, which is the only city in China that has grown alongside the ancient canal, making it a unique “Canal City.” The waters of the Ancient Canal of Yangzhou are clear and flow through the city, lined with numerous historic sites. Starting from the Yangtze River entrance, the canal banks feature the Ancient Guazhou Ferry, the nationally renowned Gao Temple, the Yangzi Port—a hub for maritime Silk Road trade during the prosperous Tang Dynasty, Bao Ta Wan where Master Jianzhen set sail eastward, the Islamic religious site of Puhading Tomb, and Zhu Yu Wan, the watershed between the old and new canals. Further north, travelers can also visit the ancient post station of Gaoyou and the lotus root-producing town of Baoying.

Ancient Canal Boat Cruise Boarding locations: Near Bianyi Gate Square and near Kangshan Cultural Park. Ticket price: One-way 40 RMB, round-trip 50 RMB. Route: Bianyi Gate Square — Bianyi Gate Bridge — Dongguan Ancient Ferry — Dongmen Ruins — Jiefang Bridge — Puhading Garden — Wudao Tai Mansion — Changsheng Temple Pavilion — Yuejin Bridge — Kangshan Cultural Park. Operating hours: 14:00–21:00 Vessel types: Various boats available, ranging from small ones that accommodate up to 20 people to larger ones that can carry around 100 passengers.

Jiangsu, Yangzhou