Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal

A 1600-km bicycle journey along the longest artificial river ever built in human history. The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal runs from a course of 1794 km, the oldest parts dating as far back as the 5th century BC but not completed and connected until the Sui Dynasty in 6th century CE for the first time, after which it endured repeated disasters, damage, and reconstruction. The canal was one of the most important transport routes in ancient China and not only passes through a number of historic cities but also gave rise to the existence of many others; as such it passes today through some of both the most culturally and industrially developed cities of China. Today, the canal continues to be used from Jining to Hangzhou; the northern sections are not in operable condition.