Ancient Canal in Jiaxing (Jiaxing Section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal)

Ancient Canal in Jiaxing (Jiaxing Section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal)

The Ancient Canal in Jiaxing (Jiaxing Section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal) is a Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Heritage Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The ancient canal in Jiaxing is a section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. It has not only provided Jiaxing with vital waterborne trade and transportation but also added scenic beauty to the city. Along the canal, Jiangnan-style buildings, planned urban riverside parks, historic streets, and stone bridges offer excellent spaces for leisure and morning exercise.

The Grand Canal was initially excavated during the early reign of Emperor Yang of Sui (605–610). Later, during the era of Kublai Khan, the Huitong River and Tonghui River were dug, forming the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal that stretches 1,794 kilometers from Beijing to Hangzhou. The Jiangnan Canal, however, was excavated even earlier, around the late Spring and Autumn Period (5th century BC), boasting a history of over 2,400 years. The urban layout of Jiaxing was developed along the canal. Within and around the ancient city, numerous crisscrossing waterways and their surrounding historic residences create a rich flavor of Jiangnan’s water town charm. The Jiaxing section of the Jiangnan Canal starts from the Changhong Bridge in Wangjiangjing, Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing, in the north, and extends to Chongfu Town, Tongxiang, in the south, passing through Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing’s downtown area, and Tongxiang City, covering a total length of 81.22 kilometers. “During the Sui Dynasty's Daye era, the canal was dug to reach Jiaxing Prefecture, with branches flanking both sides of the city.” After passing through Shiqing Sluice and Duanping Bridge, the canal splits into branches. Today, the northern section is the main course of the Grand Canal, while the southeast part forms tributaries such as Xiushui and Haorivers. The main canal flows past Beili Bridge and Chengbei Bridge before joining Haoriver at Xili Bridge. Xiushui River loops around the city, connects with Haoriver and Southwest Lake, and merges with the main canal. In the northern area, the Old Residential District of Yuehe features winding alleys and crisscrossing lanes, small canals, narrow passageways, old houses, and covered corridors—all packed into a compact area, showcasing a vivid picture of an ancient water town. Along this stretch of the canal, there are also sites such as Tannong (Altar Lane), named after the sacrificial altar set up during Ming Dynasty religious processions; Yuehe Dai (Yuehe Lane), known for its “water embracing the moon, curving like a crescent”; Fen Shuidun (Water-Dividing Mound), famous for TianShui Nunnery and Lushi Gathering; and Yinma River, an ancient battlefield site. All these maintain their original appearance. The southern part, including the Haoriver’s South Gate section and Southwest Lake, is rich in historical and cultural significance. This area is home to the former residences of Zhu Shenghao, translator of Shakespeare’s plays; Shen Junru, a patriotic democrat; and Wang Huzhen, a renowned hydraulic engineer. It was also where the Song Dynasty poet Zhu Dunru sought refuge and where the Xu Family Mansion stands. Currently, the ancient canal tourism route is under comprehensive development.

Attraction Location

Dongfang Road, Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province