The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is the earliest and longest man-made canal in the world. With a total distance of more than 1700 kilometers, it starts from Beijing and ends in Hangzhou. The Grand Canal plays a great role in the exchange of economy and culture between southern and northern China, especially in the industrial and agricultural development in the canal line area.

Water is the soul of ancient towns, and the canal waters weave together the old towns of Huzhou. Following the water and aboard a boat, one encounters high-walled courtyards and flowing water residences, with both sides of the canal offering a quaint and picturesque view.

Editor: Xu Zhitian