The Grand Canal (litho)

The Grand Canal. The Grand Canal was principally dug in the thirteenth century by Kublai Khan, though parts are thought to date from the time of Confucius. The northern part is less used now; it has fallen into disrepair and is clogged with the mud of the Yellow River. It is crossed by stone bridges, and many memorial arches and pagodas are situated near its banks. The canal, which is 1,200 miles in length, connected Hang-Chow Fu in Cheh-Kiang with Tientsin in Chih-li, where it joins the Peiho, which runs close to Peking. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.