Celebrating a decade: A journey along the historic Grand Canal

Editor's note: To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Grand Canal's UNESCO World Heritage listing, a captivating video series has been launched to showcase a Russian's journey to Gongshu district of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, home to the southernmost point of the canal.

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, an engineering wonder with a history spanning over 2,500 years, once served as a crucial transportation artery, facilitating trade, cultural exchanges, and economic prosperity in ancient China.

This ancient artificial waterway was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 22, 2014, in recognition of its outstanding universal value and historical significance.

A decade later, boats still glide under the bridges, and the historic and cultural heritage along the canal has been well-preserved and revitalized.

To mark the 10th anniversary of its UNESCO listing, Afanaseva Sofia, a Russian student studying and living in Hangzhou, embarked on a journey to uncover the rich history and vibrant culture along the canal.