Gongchen Bridge stretches across the eastern and western banks of the Grand Canal and appears majestic and grand. [Photo/Xinhua]

Man-made waterway offers a link to country's past.

The ancient Chinese built two great engineering wonders: the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Though the Great Wall's function in military defense has faded over time, the Grand Canal remains a crucial conduit of cultural communication.

The Grand Canal, spanning over 2,000 kilometers between Beijing and Hangzhou, was listed as a world heritage site in 2014.

Currently, the creation of the Grand Canal cultural belt is being discussed nationwide.

But why should a man-made waterway be considered a cultural treasure?

Zhang Shuheng, a researcher at an archaeological institute in Zhejiang province, says the canal was a pillar for the economy, social stability and government functions in ancient China.

The canal also helped the evolution of Chinese culture by enhancing communication between the south and the north.

Hangzhou resident Zhou Zhihua, who grew up beside the canal, says:" Areas around the Gongchen Bridge used to be busy - filled with people from all walks of life, like businessmen, dockmen, rickshaw drivers and vagrants."