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Grand Canal Cruise

The Grand Canal, also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is the earliest and the longest artificial river in the world. The Canal is ten times the length of the Suez Canal, and 22 times that of the Panama Canal. It originates near Beijing in the north, and ends in Hangzhou, in the south. Six provinces and five river systems are connected by the canal. In history, the canal is the artery of communications between north and south. For over two thousand five hundred years, rich historical relic sights have been found along the river. Like the Great Wall, the canal is regarded as one of the two great projects of Chinese ancient time.

The Grand Canal is divided into seven parts with different names: Tonghui River (Beijing - Tong County), North Canal (Tong County - Tianjin), South Canal (southern Tianjin - Linqing, Shandong), Lu Canal (Linqing - Taierzhuang), Middle Canal (Taierzhuang - Huaiyin, Jiangsu), Li Canal (Huaiyin - Yangzhou), and finally, Jiangnan Canal (Zhenjiang - Hangzhou, Zhejiang).

Scenery along the Grand Canal

Sceneries along each section of the canal are charming and worth visiting. However, the sceneries in Hangzhou are the most marvellous. Over 40 sights can be admired, including museums, parks, squares, temples, bridges and local residences etc. Get more information for the Grand Canal Scenery.

Cruise Information

The most popular section to cruise on the Grand Canal is the section that passes through Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces. The first cruise line on the canal was launched in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province in the early 1980s, and has attracted numerous visitors worldwide. The line later expanded to more cities including Suzhou, Changzhou, Yangzhou and Hangzhou.

There are Cruise ships on the canal from Yangzhou to Suzhou. In Hangzhou section, there are hydro-busses leaving from different wharfs that offer visitors a chance to admire the canal scenery in less than two hours. Get information about the Grand Canal Cruise Schedule.

Note: We are sorry that the booking service for this cruise is not available at present.

Further Reading: Suzhou Grand Canal

- Last updated on Apr. 13, 2020 -

Questions & Answers on Grand Canal Cruise

Asked by Samir from CANADA | Jan. 12, 2020 09:09

Can I book a cruise from Hangzhou to Suzhou in December or January?

Answers (1)

Answered by Cheyenne from POLAND | Jan. 13, 2020 22:37

Well, as I know, the online booking page only has Chinese version. Thus you are suggested to take the cruise when you arriving there.

Asked by Ling from USA | Aug. 20, 2014 22:22

I want to buy 2 for one ship every day from Suzhou at 18:30 to Hangzhou 6:30 next morning Cruise

I want to buy 2 for one ship every day from Suzhou at 18:30 to Hangzhou 6:30 next morning Cruise on 9/8/2014. Please contact me as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Ling Ling Lee

Answers (1)

Answered by TravelChinaGuide.com | Aug. 21, 2014 01:00

Dear Ling,

We are sorry that booking service for Grand Canal Cruise is not available currently. You'd better find some other agencies or buy the tickets when you arrive.

Best Regards,

TravelChinaGuide.com

Asked by Hussain Almousawi from OMAN | Aug. 07, 2011 05:09

Inquiry about cruise from Hangzhou to Beijing and the cost.

How long, (many days) does it take from Hangzou to Beijing and what is included and the cost?

Answers (1)

Answered by Cindy from CHINA | Aug. 08, 2011 20:44

Most part of the Grand Canal is not navigable now. So, you can start from Hangzhou to Beijing. Possivle to begin from Hangzhou to Suzhou.

Asked by Mr.Wong CM from MALAYSIA | Sep. 16, 2010 07:59

Dear Ms Cindy,
My heartfelt thanks to your kind reply.I would appreciate if you could also tell me whether bathroom/toilet is attached to each cabin of the Grand Canal cruise ship.

Answers (1)

Answered by Mr.chang | Sep. 17, 2010 02:26

I googled and cannot find the info. But the cabins are divided into different classes, maybe the luxurious ones have independent bathroom/toliet. You may ask for more detailed info when buying the ticket.

Asked by Mr.Wong CM from MALAYSIA | Sep. 13, 2010 08:05

Could anyone please tell me about travelling from Suzhou to Hangzhou by the Grand Canal.Information like the type of ships used, services offered on board,time period spent on the ships, security and the like will be of great help to me for I am planning to go to Suzhou then Hangzhou in less than a week's time.

Answers (1)

Answered by Ms.Cindy from CHINA | Sep. 15, 2010 01:24

There is one ship every day from Suzhou at 18:30 to Hangzhou 6:30 next morning. Cabin is for one or two persons, with air conditioner, Tv Set and food. Ship is not very big one.