A Lingqu boat ride allows visitors to take in the lush greenery lining the canal. CHINA DAILY

"For example, figurines of foreigners in the Han (206 BC-220) and Tang (618-907) dynasties were successively found on the banks of Lingqu. They are the products of cultural exchanges between China and the West," Chen said.

Protecting Lingqu's rich legacy for everyone includes its structures, surrounding environment and water quality, said Bi Huangwen, secretary of the Xing'an county Party committee.

"We will strengthen the environment along the canal, maintain and restore its scenic spots and cultural relics and uphold high water quality, all adhering to international standards," he said.

"We all know that to be listed as a World Heritage Site, it is very important to protect the original features of the ancient canal ... to carry out the relevant measures in line with local development."

To that effect, major rural tourism demonstration areas and villages will help spur the pillar tourism sector in line with Lingqu's sustainable growth, Bi said.

"In 2022, Lingqu and its surroundings received more than 7.59 million tourist visits, raking in 7.7 billion yuan ($1.06 billion) in tourism consumption and winning national industry honors," he said.

"Through protection, promotion and utilization, this ancient canal is radiating new vitality, and the local culture it nurtures will continue to live on. Lingqu still plays its role in irrigation, flood drainage and water supply, covering more than 4,300 hectares of farmland yielding local specialty produce such as rice noodles, glutinous cakes and Sanhua rice liquor."