Grand Canal barges ... The original canal system, built by Emperor Yang of the Sui dynasty, was seen by Chinese historians as an act of brilliant madness. Ancient China’s main rivers ran west ...

Over centuries, it has played a pivotal role in facilitating trade and fostering cultural exchanges between northern and southern China ... of the Grand Canal cultural maps.

In ancient times, the Grand Canal transported grain from southern China to Beijing, the northernmost point of the Grand Canal. "From this perspective, I always say that without the Grand Canal ...