Young visitors to Lingqu learn more about the waterway. CHINA DAILY

Successful blend

Today, the Lingqu Canal "stands as an important cultural heritage and a multifunctional hydraulic project serving irrigation, flood control, water supply and tourism", altogether offering a successful blend of tradition and innovation ranging from trade to tourism.

"Following the unification of ancient China under the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), Qinshihuang, the era's first ruler, set about building a waterway for grain transport that would help sustain his armies heading south, with the project completed in 214 BC," said Chen Xinghua, honorary president of the Lingqu research association.

"Known subsequently as the Lingqu Canal, this vital link became a benchmark for flood control and irrigation, spurring the agricultural development of the area, making it a water transport, cultural and tourism hub," Chen said.

"Lingqu connected China's central plains with its south, playing a major role in cultural and material exchanges between China and overseas. It connected the hinterland with the southern ports and, as such, the ancient Maritime Silk Road," he said.