Cangzhou Enters a New Era Celebrating 10 Years of UNESCO Recognition for the Grand Canal

Published on June 25, 2024

In 2024, the Grand Canal celebrated the 10th anniversary of its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This recognition has rejuvenated the Grand Canal, acknowledging its historical significance and highlighting the ongoing commitment to its future preservation and development. In Cangzhou, Hebei Province, significant progress has been made in safeguarding, preserving, and promoting the culture of the Grand Canal.

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world’s longest and most extensive ancient canal, stands as one of the oldest and greatest engineering feats in history. Alongside the Great Wall, it is heralded as one of the three monumental projects of ancient China. This enduring waterway, still in use today, is a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Chinese and a symbol of China’s rich cultural heritage.

Stretching 216 kilometers through Cangzhou, the Grand Canal not only nourishes the fertile lands of this region but also shapes its cultural and economic identity. The canal has been integral to Cangzhou’s prosperity, transforming it from a major transportation hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties into a modern center of logistics and cultural heritage. The canal is the lifeblood of the city, infusing it with economic vitality and cultural confidence.

The intertwining of water and culture has led to a vibrant cultural scene in Cangzhou. Over the past decade, the city has capitalized on the Grand Canal’s resources to develop a unique canal-themed cultural tourism industry. This year’s Dragon Boat Festival saw a series of colorful cultural activities, including the Dance Unicorn heritage show, matchmaking events at Cangzhou Square, and immersive experiences like the Jinshi topography.

In 2022, Cangzhou introduced the “Grand Canal National Cultural Park (Cangzhou Section) Construction and Protection Plan,” aiming to develop 9 tourist attractions, 8 cultural industry parks, 15 ancient towns and cultural tourism villages, and 33 cultural and ecological parks. The opening of Nanchuan Old Street and the Sixth Garden Expo in Hebei Province in 2023 attracted numerous tourists, highlighting Cangzhou’s appeal.

To further promote canal culture, Cangzhou actively participates in tourism expositions and integrates agriculture, culture, and tourism. The city has developed attractions such as the Wuqiao acrobatics and rural tourism demonstration zones. The water tour route along the Cangzhou section of the Grand Canal connects many historical and cultural sites, offering travelers a rich array of experiences.

Cangzhou’s efforts have enhanced its reputation as a tourist destination and contributed to the cultural and tourism synergy within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Looking ahead, Cangzhou is committed to enhancing the cultural prestige of the Grand Canal. The city aims to drive high-quality cultural and tourism development, inviting more people to discover and fall in love with Cangzhou through the Grand Canal. This ancient waterway, which has flowed for millennia, is poised to shine anew in the modern era.