“The state project, which is costing an estimated $10.3 billion, runs from the Ping River estuary in Hengzhou and follows the Qingjian River to the Beibu Gulf. Previously, goods manufactured in the region had to detour through the Pearl River Delta to reach the Guangzhou Port.”
“It is China’s first major river-to-sea canal project planned and executed at the national level since 1949 and the founding of the People’s Republic. It is seen as a major component of the Belt and Road Initiative.”
“Organizers highlight that the canal will shorten inland waterway transport by about 560 kilometers (nearly 350 miles). They promote that it will help relieve volume and congestion on the Yangtze River while also lowering transportation costs. They estimate the canal could reduce transport costs by about $735 million annually while also providing increased access to Southeast Asia. China is placing a high priority on trade with Southeast Asia as a new market to help offset anticipated declines in U.S. imports.”
“Construction of the canal began in 2022 and required moving 315 million cubic meters of material. The design had to overcome a 65-meter (213-foot) elevation difference between the river estuary and sea level. Chinese engineers built three key hubs along the route with locking stations. Reports are calling the middle hub at Madao the ‘world’s largest inland water-saving ship lock.’ The chambers measure about 984 feet with a width of 112 feet and a depth of 26 feet. They are saying the locks can handle up to a dozen 5,000-tonne ships at one time.”