Suzhou: The Grand Canal

One of the reasons that Suzhou is a big industrial city is the Grand Canal. This engineering masterpiece runs some 1000 miles from Beijing to the sea.

Part of the canal was built as early as the 5th century. By the mid-19th century it had fallen into disrepair. The government repaired and modernized the canal between 1958 and 1964.

Every day the canal is busy with all kinds and sizes of crafts hauling a variety of materials in and out of Suzhou. Many of the boat people live on their vessels along the canal.

It is, in essence, the main street of the town.