On the morning of June 3, water filling began at the Madao and Qishi hubs of the Pinglu Canal, marking the full water flow of the canal and its entry into the water commissioning phase.
The Pinglu Canal is a key project of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor. It stretches 134.2 kilometers, starting from Pingtang Estuary in Hengzhou, Guangxi in the north, passing through Luwu Town in Lingshan County, and following the Qin River into the Beibu Gulf. As the first canal project since the founding of New China to connect a river to the sea under national coordination, the Pinglu Canal can accommodate 5,000-ton vessels and is set to open for navigation in September this year. Once completed, cargo from the southwestern region traveling via the Pinglu Canal to the sea will shorten the inland waterway distance by over 560 kilometers compared to going through Guangzhou Port, making it the shortest, most economical, and most convenient sea passage for the southwestern area.
Pinglu Canal
The Pinglu Canal is a historic waterway in China, originally constructed during the Qin Dynasty (around 214 BCE) to connect the Xiang and Li Rivers. It served as a crucial transport route for military supplies and trade between the Yangtze River basin and the Pearl River Delta. Today, it remains an important part of China’s ancient canal system and a testament to early hydraulic engineering.
Madao Hub
Madao Hub is a historic commercial and cultural district in Shanghai, originally developed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a vibrant market area. It was named after the nearby Madao Road (now Huangpi Road) and became known for its lively street vendors, traditional shops, and local eateries. Today, it has been revitalized as a popular tourist destination, blending preserved architectural heritage with modern boutiques and dining.
Qishi Hub
Qishi Hub is a cultural and creative space in Guangzhou, China, known for its role in fostering local art, design, and community events. Originally part of a former industrial area, it has been revitalized into a vibrant hub that blends historical architecture with modern innovation. The site reflects Guangzhou’s evolving urban landscape, highlighting the city’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage while promoting contemporary creativity.
Pingtang Estuary
Pingtang Estuary, located in Guangxi, China, is a scenic area where the Hongshui River meets the sea, known for its dramatic karst landscape and emerald waters. Historically, it has served as an important waterway for local trade and transportation in the region. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering boat rides and views of the unique limestone formations.
Luwu Town
Luwu Town, located in Jiangsu Province, China, is a historic water town with a rich cultural heritage dating back over a thousand years. Known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, stone bridges, and canals, it was once a thriving hub for trade and silk production during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, Luwu Town attracts visitors for its tranquil scenery and traditional Jiangnan-style charm.
Qin River
The Qin River is a major tributary of the Yellow River in northern China, flowing through Shanxi and Henan provinces. Historically, it was a vital waterway for ancient states during the Warring States period and later served as a key transport and irrigation route in the Qin and Han dynasties. Its banks are also home to numerous archaeological sites, reflecting the region’s long and significant role in Chinese civilization.
Beibu Gulf
The Beibu Gulf, also known as the Gulf of Tonkin, is a body of water located off the coast of southern China and northern Vietnam. Historically, it has been a significant maritime trade route, linking China with Southeast Asia, and was the site of the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident, which escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Today, the region is economically important for fishing, shipping, and energy resources, including oil and natural gas.
Guangzhou Port
Guangzhou Port, also known as the Port of Canton, is a major maritime hub in southern China with a history spanning over 2,000 years. As a key starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, it was one of the first Chinese ports to open to foreign trade and played a vital role in global commerce, particularly during the Tang and Song dynasties. Today, it is one of the busiest ports in the world, serving as a crucial gateway for trade and economic development in the Pearl River Delta region.
