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Sui-Tang Grand Canal

Type Object Region China Time 605–700

The Sui-Tang Grand Canal was an artificial north-south inland waterway network in China from the late 6th to 7th century, linking the Yellow, Huai, Y…

Timeline

  1. 605–610Tongji Canal—Han Canal—Jiangnan Canal · JianghuaiEmperor Yang of Sui conscripted laborers to dig the Tongji Canal west to Luoyang and east to the Huai River, dredged the Han Canal to link the Yangtze, and opened the Jiangnan Canal to Yuhang, initially forming the main trunk of the great north-south canal.
  2. 618–640Bian Canal—Luo River section · Central PlainsWarfare at the end of the Sui caused the canal to silt up; during the reigns of Emperors Taizong and Gaozong of Tang, sections such as the Bian Canal were gradually dredged, restoring the grain transport route between Guanzhong and Guandong.
  3. 641–700Entire Grand Canal · Lower YangtzeThe Tang court established transport commissioners and grain transport commissioners to manage river transport, implementing segmented grain transport via the Yangtze, Huai, Yellow, and Wei rivers, shipping millions of shi of grain annually to the two capitals, supporting the 7th-century empire's finances and military needs.

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