Construction of this key transportation artery, which links several major waterways across the country, including the Yangtze, Huaihe and Yellow rivers, was at its peak under the Sui (581-618) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties.
The canal formed the backbone of the empire's inland communication and trading systems, thereby playing a crucial role in ensuring the nation's economic stability. Even today, the canal is a major means of inland communication.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognized the Grand Canal as the longest and oldest of its kind, and listed it as a World Heritage Site in 2014. "It bears witness to a remarkable and early development of hydraulic engineering," the UNESCO website states.
A 62-kilometer boat tour to Langfang, Hebei province, is expected to open to the public soon. Dining options, exclusive exhibitions and creative cultural products will be on offer along the way to enhance the experience further. It is all part of a concerted effort by the Beijing authorities to turn the canal area into a top destination.
A stone's throw from Wharf 2, an ancient architectural cluster－the highlights of which are a Confucius temple and the Randeng Pagoda－has been restored.
The temple's red walls and gray tiles exude an ancient charm. It was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, but underwent multiple makeovers during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
Three white marble bridges across a pond near the temple's main entrance grab the attention of visitors. "Legend has it that these bridges were the only way for men of letters to enter the temple," says Zhou Chaoyue, a guide at the cluster.
Rooms that kept a record of the outstanding talent and achievements of officials line the eastern and western flanks of the bridges. Further in, the Hall of Great Achievement hosts memorial tablets to Confucius and his disciples.
At the back of the cluster, the Randeng Pagoda reveals itself in its full glory. It towers about 60 meters into the sky and features a lotus cushion and delicate carvings on every side.