Road along Grand Canal in Hebei boosts regional development

People ride on an embankment road along the Grand Canal in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 29, 2025.

The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)