states: [china]
category: cultural
year: 2014
location: From Beijing in the north to Zhejiang Province in the south
region: Asia and the Pacific
latitude/longitude: 34.6938888889, 112.4683333333
last visited: 2018
unesco id: 1443
world heritage site: 1443
The Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site in China, is an ancient engineering marvel stretching over 1,700 kilometers, connecting major rivers and cities. Constructed starting in the 5th century BC and expanded over centuries, it served as a vital transportation and trade route, facilitating cultural exchange and economic growth. Today, this intricate system of waterways, bridges, and locks stands as a testament to human ingenuity and historical significance.