Second channel of Grand Canal put into operation in Hangzhou(1/7)

Vessels line up to enter the Qiantang River at Babao ship lock, a control project for the 2nd channel of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 18, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Wang Gang)

With a history of more than 2,500 years, the Grand Canal, connecting Beijing and Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province, served as a significant transportation artery in ancient China. Starting from Bolu County in Hangzhou, the 26.4-kilometer-long 2nd channel of the canal connecting with the Qiantang River through Babao ship lock opened to traffic on Tuesday.

Vessels line up to enter the Qiantang River at Babao ship lock, a control project for the 2nd channel of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 18, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Wang Gang)

Vessels with full loads of goods sail through Babao Babao ship lock, a control project for the 2nd channel of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 18, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Wang Gang)

Vessels with full loads of goods sail through Babao Babao ship lock, a control project for the 2nd channel of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 18, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Wang Gang)

Aerial view of the 2nd channel on the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 18, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Wang Gang)

Vessels with full loads of goods sail through Babao Babao ship lock, a control project for the 2nd channel of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 18, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Wang Gang)

Vessels with full loads of goods sail through Babao Babao ship lock, a control project for the 2nd channel of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 18, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Wang Gang)