First constructed in the 5th century BC, China’s Grand Canal stretches about 1,794 kilometers and features the world’s earliest multi-gate lock system, predating European technology by 400 years. During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, it transported 4 million dan (280,000 tons) of grain annually to the capital. The canal links five major rivers and spans eight provincial regions, representing a peak in hydraulic engineering. In 2014, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing 27 sections and 58 heritage sites.
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