The Grand Canal Hangzhou Section Travel Guide

First dug in Spring and Autumn Period, the Grand Canal has a history of over 2500 years. It runs across four provinces, i.e. Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang Provinces, two municipal cities, Beijing and Tianjin, with total length of 1794 km. It is the longest, largest and most ancient canal in world. The Grand Canal is the precious material and spiritual wealth left by our ancestors and is an important living and flowing heritage of human being.

The Grand Canal is highlight of tourism in Hangzhou as well as a classic destination for understanding water-town culture in south and lower reach of Yangtze River. The Grand Canal passes through rich and refined Qiantang Land, witnesses the vicissitude of the prosperous ancient capital – Hangzhou and the folk customs of the locals living in white-wall and black-tile residents. You may touch the splendid and profound culture and enjoy the overwhelming and refined beauty of the Grand Canal by hiking, boating, cycling or just sitting there.

The Grand Canal Hangzhou Section presents a scroll of “flowing Chinese civilization and paradise for leisure”. Expats find “authentic Chinese flavor”, Chinese find “authentic Hangzhou flavor” and Hangzhou locals find it “very fashion” here.

Gongchen Bridge
Gongchen Bridge was built in the 4th year of Chongzhen reign in Ming Dynasty (1631). “Chen” means emperor’s residence, “Gong” means greetings with cupped hands, such Gongchen Bridge was a symbol of welcoming and respect for the ancient emperor when they made inspection tour to Hangzhou in South China. Gongchen Bridge stretched across the eastern and western banks of the Grand Canal and appears majestic and grand. Around 92m in length and 16m in height, it’s the highest and longest ancient stone arch bridge in Hangzhou and is the landmark of the south end of the Grand Canal.


Recommend Canal Tour Route:
Rout 1: Ancient Charm Tour
Xiangji Temple – Gongchen Bridge
Time:  about 30 minutes for one way
Ticket Price: CNY 60 / person, CNY 20 for Xiangji Temple
Minimum 10 people for the tour, please make reservation in advance.

Rout 2: Fantastic Night Tour
Wulinmen Wharf – Gongchen Bridge (Round way)
Time:  about 1 hour for the whole cruise without stop on the way
Ticket Price: CNY 100 / person

Rout 3: Tour to Tangxi Ancient Town
Wulinmen Wharf – Tangxi Ancient Town
Time: every Saturday and Sunday
4 hours for navigation, 3 hours for sightseeing in the ancient town, 7 hours in total.
Ticket Price: CNY 150 / person