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Chinese Grain Tribute Canal System

Type Object Region China Time 600–1900

A state grain-tribute waterway network centered on the Grand Canal, linking the Yellow, Huai, and Yangtze river systems, carrying tax grain north and…

Timeline

  1. 605–700Luoyang · HenanEmperor Yang of Sui excavated the Tongji Canal, Yongji Canal, and other sections, forming a grain-tribute trunk line centered on Luoyang that connected north and south, establishing the prototype of a state system for waterborne transport of tribute grain.
  2. 1264–1270Hangzhou · ZhejiangDuring the transition from the Southern Song to the Yuan, Jiangnan tribute grain was shipped north by canal and sea in parallel; after Yuan forces captured Lin'an they took over the locks and granaries, laying the groundwork for later grain tribute transport to Dadu.
  3. 1400–1800Huai'an · JiangsuAfter the Ming established its capital at Beijing, all grain tribute traveled the Grand Canal; a grain tribute governor was set up at Huai'an, and the system of locks, lighters, and granaries reached full maturity, with annual grain tribute shipments reaching several million shi.

Sources