The Grand Canal introduces readers to the history and development of the Grand Canal in China, the world’s longest and oldest manmade waterway stretching over 1,770 kilometres.
“Canals, man-made waterways for human survival and development, usually play an important role in transporting troops, grain, passengers, etc. In the history of civilisation, canals were built in many countries … However, China’s Grand Canal is second to none. Running through the north and south of China, it set the world’s greatest record in terms of construction time and length … After more than a thousand years, the Grand Canal, which is still running, has fully demonstrated rich imagination and creativity of Chinese people to the world with its enduring vitality.”
From the Preface
List of Figures
The Editorial Committee
Series Foreword
Preface
Chapter 1 The Development History of Canals
I. How Yu the Great Controlled Floods
II. The Construction of the Honggou Canal
III. The Sui-Tang Grand Canal
Chapter 2 The Function of The Canal
I. The River of Grain Transport
II. The Historical Significance of the Canal
III. The Spiritual Significance of the Canal
IV. The Epochal Significance of the Canal
Chapter 3 The Cultural Forms of The Canal
I. The Ancient Capitals Along the Canal
II. The Towns Along the Canal
III. The Grand Canal Culture
Summary: The Grand Canal—Open to The World
Appendix: A Brief Chronology of Chinese History
Index
Basic Information
- 978-629-7646-53-4 (Paperback)
