Grand Canal (Song Section)

Timeline

1. 960–1127Bianjing (Kaifeng) · KaifengThe Northern Song established its capital at Bianjing, and the Grand Canal's Bian–Huai–Yangtze route carried several million shi of grain tribute north annually, sustaining the capital and northern garrisons, and forming a highly institutionalized system of grain-boat dispatch.
2. 1131–1140Huainan canal section · HuainanDuring the standoff with the Jin, the Song court dredged and maintained the Huainan canal during the Shaoxing era, ensuring that Jiangnan grain taxes were shipped west along the canal to Lin'an while also supporting transport of military supplies to the front; this section was the lifeline of Southern Song grain transport.
3. 1138–1279Lin'an (Hangzhou) · HangzhouThe Southern Song capital Lin'an relied on the Jiangnan section of the Grand Canal to receive grain tribute from Suzhou and Zhejiang; the canal linked with the Qiantang River and eastern Zhejiang waterways, forming the backbone inland network for the capital's supply and commercial circulation.