The Grand Canal is a vast waterway system in the northeastern and central-eastern plains of China, running from Beijing in the north to Zhejiang province in the south. It is the world's longest man-made canal.

The canal forms a vast inland waterway system, passing through eight of the country's provincial-level regions.

Canal excavation dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC) or earlier, and was a pillar of the economy, social stability and government functions in ancient China.

It was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites in 2014. Even with its long history, the Grand Canal still shines proudly in the spring air.

People enjoy spring scenery at Gongchen Bridge over the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province, on April 3, 2022. [Photo/VCG]