Barges on the Grand Canal, modern bridge in the background, Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China

---

The Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the longest canal or artificial river in the world. Starting at Beijing, it passes through Tianjin and the provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang to the city of Hangzhou, linking the Yellow River and Yangtze River. The oldest parts of the canal date back to the 5th century BC, although the various sections were finally combined during the Sui dynasty (581–618 AD). The Grand Canal furthered an indigenous and growing economic market in China's urban centers since the Sui period. It has allowed faster trading and has improved China's economy. In the southern portion it is in heavy constant use to the present day.

---

Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: China
Photo credit: © Keren Su/China Span / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: asia, asian, barges, boats, canal, cargo, chimneys, china, factory, grand, huai, industry, jiangsu, outdoors, people, river, shipping, ships, sky, smoke, transport, transportation, water