Photo:Xia Yang
By Fang Jingyi
Walking along the Grand Canal, which literally translates to “luck up” in Chinese, has become a spontaneous tradition for Hangzhou residents to celebrate the New Year.
After the recent removal of a construction barrier near the greenway park on the eastern bank of Gaotang Canal, which allows people to walk along the Grand Canal without detouring, a new route spanning approximately 13 kilometers has been added to the experience. This route takes you from Sanbao Lock by the Qiantang River to Gongchen Bridge.
There are many notable attractions along this canal promenade. The journey begins at Sanbao Lock, built in November 1983, which connected the Grand Canal with the Qiantang River for the first time in history. Visitors can watch ships entering the lock, where water levels are adjusted to match those of the canal or river, allowing for smooth passage.
Walking about 3 kilometers forward, you’ll reach Pujia Wharf, the terminal for Water Bus Line 1, which operates 16 daily trips between Pujia Wharf and Gongchen Bridge Wharf. Midway through the walk, you’ll encounter Genshan Gate, one of Hangzhou’s ten ancient city gates, originally constructed during the Southern Song Dynasty and now serving as the city’s northeastern gate. You can also take photos with “Soul of the Canal”, one of the most iconic canal-themed sculptures in the Hangzhou section.
Another 1.5 kilometers of walking will take you to West Lake Cultural Square and Wulinmen Wharf. In winter, the square features a beautiful blend of colors from dawn redwoods, maples, and willows, creating a vibrant winter landscape under the warm sunlight. After passing Chaowang Bridge and Royal Wharf, you’ll reach the 145-year-old Fuyi Granary, designed to store grain and address food shortages. The nearby Xiangji Temple, historically the first temple encountered when entering Hangzhou via the canal, was one of the busiest temples along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.
Before the journey concludes at Gongchen Bridge, you’ll pass Xiaohe Street and Xiaohe Park, both popular landmarks in Hangzhou featuring hidden gems and charming shops. As Hangzhou’s tallest and longest stone arch bridge, Gongchen Bridge is surrounded by the Qiaoxi Historical and Cultural Block, which includes several historic streets and specialized museums worth exploring.
For those interested in further exploration, the full promenade from Shixiang Road to the Qiantang River, stretching 30.4 kilometers along the canal, offers an excellent opportunity to dive into the rich history of both the city and the canal.