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.

The Shanxi-Shaanxi Guildhall, located at the west of the Canal, was built in 1743. It was funded by merchants from Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces for worshipping gods. This ancient architectural complex integrating a temple, commercial offices, and a theater is the epitome and witness of the developed commerce and prosperous economy of Liaocheng in history.

Editor: Cheng Dengyu