How to Visit Grand Canal Hangzhou

On June 22, 2014, the Grand Canal was listed as the site of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. It is the 46th world heritage in China including 27 sections and 58 elements of the Grand Canal with a length of 1011 km. The world heritage crowned Grand Canal covers 6 provinces, 2 municipalities and 25 prefecture-level cities.

Visiting the traditional buildings along the canal or cruising on the canal does give you an opportunity to see and touch the Chinese culture and the authentic life of the ordinary people. There are many entry points for visiting the Grand Canal of China including Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc.

Boating on the ancient 6-km waterway in Hangzhou

Visiting the traditional buildings and cultural sites along the Canal

The Grand Canal once greatly developed the local economy and enhanced the communication between the north and the south. At its prime time, the area around Gongchen Bridge, which still spans the canal, was the busiest and most commercial area in Hangzhou, a transportation hub.

Especially, during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), when the Northern Song Dynasty moved its court to Hangzhou and established Hangzhou as the capital. The canal in Gongchen Bridge suddenly got much busier, becoming a major traffic hub and distribution center.

In the time starting from the South Song Dynasty through Qing Dynasty ( 1644 – 1911 ), boats and ships from all over the country came down the Grand Canal, bringing much business to the area around Gongchen Bridge .

Various shops, snacks, restaurants were open along the river and nearby lanes and streets. Qianxizhi Historic Street Block and Xiaohezhi Historic Street Block are the two areas that have been recently renovated and restored, typical of the Chinese-Western mixed style architectures during the period.

Now follow me to have a glimpse of Qiaoxizhi Historic Street Block. "Qiaoxizhi" literally means “A straight street west of the Bridge”. Here "the Bridge" refers to Gongchen Bridge. Gongchen Bridge is the landmark of the Grand Canal Hangzhou.

"Gongchen" literally means "respect the emperor". In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) and Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799) traveled six times respectively along the canal from Beijing to inspection and sightseeing. Gongchen Bridge stood there respecting and welcoming the emperor.

East of Gongchen Bridge is the Grand Canal Cultural Square where you may visit The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Museum ( China Great Canal Museum).

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Museum

The Bridge was originally built 1631 in the late Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and was rebuilt 1888 in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It is the largest stone arch bridge in Hangzhou, now 16 meters high, 98 meters long with the middle part narrower at 5.9 m and two ends wider at 12.2 m.

Walk across Gongchen Bridge that spans the Grand Canal, only pedestrians and cyclists allowed

On the bridge, you have a clear picture of the ships coming and going on the canal, carrying coals, sand and construction materials. Many sections of the Grand Canal are still in use.

Taking a picture of the bridge and the canal

After crossing Gongchen Bridge, turns left side ( south) and walk visit Xiqiaozhi Street. The street is lined with quite a few two-story old buildings, reproducing the past wooden structures that were both for commercial and residential use.

Usually the shops are on the first floor and bedroom on the second floor. Many of the exterior walls look old, but with modern facilities.

Xiqiaozhi Street. The street is lined with quite a few two-story old buildings,

Qiaoxi modern dwellings are a combination of Chinese and western style. Simple patterns without elaborate carvings.

The Qiaoxi Historic block includes Qiaoxizhi Street, Qianlong Street, Tianxian Alley, Tongyuanli, Jixiang Lane, former Hangzhou No.01 Cotton Mills, etc. An arrow lane branching off the main street – Qiaohe Historic Street will be changed.

China Umbrella Museum and China Scissors Museum. The two museums are housed inside the former factories.

A public Bar on along the canal and by Qiaoxizhi Street

A dock along the Grand canal at Congchen Bridge area.

The old tea house

The old and traditional houses

A two-story building in Jingshengli Hutong ares.

Huichun Tang Pharmacy

Tip:  Hassle-free Hangzhou Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Hangzhou Guided Tours:

Further Readings