A bird's-eye view of the Grand Canal and the Gongchen Bridge, the southernmost end of the waterway. [Photo by Cao Jian/tidenews.com.cn]

Marking the 33rd World Water Day on March 22, Hangzhou released a fresh policy called the Grand Canal River Chief System Work Regulations, designed to streamline and improve the governance and preservation of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

The regulations provide a systematic approach to tackling the challenges of managing the waterway. The framework outlines a five-tier River Chief system, defining responsibilities from provincial to community levels.

It also introduces six key mechanisms – including those for water quality evaluations, environmental inspections and accountability measures – ensuring standardized and effective protection efforts.

To strengthen their collaboration, the Grand Canal River Chief Joint Conference System has been revised, expanding from 14 to 20 government departments by adding agencies for public security, finance, culture and tourism, as well as for market regulation.

Public participation is also being encouraged through volunteer programs and community supervision – fostering a government-led, socially coordinated and citizen-involved protection model.

Since implementing the River Chief System in 2014, Hangzhou has invested over 16 billion yuan ($2.2 billion) in canal restoration projects, achieving 100 percent Class III or above water quality in 2024 – a remarkable improvement from 0 percent in 2014.

With the regulations in place, it's widely anticipated that the Grand Canal's governance is set for a new era, ensuring that this living heritage continues to thrive for future generations.

A mother and a daughter learn about the history and culture of the Grand Canal. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]