Popularly referred to as a paradise on earth in ancient times, Hangzhou is most famous for its West Lake. But it has much more to offer than its beautiful lake scenery.
After a first-stage renovation project, the Hangzhou section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal has become another big draw after opening to the public in Mid 2007.
Unlike in ancient times, when the canal was a major transportation artery, this time it is set to become a leisure and entertainment resort catering to both local residents and travelers - while still preserving its architectural features.
After the first stage of the renovation project was completed, visitors are able to visit a canal museum, squares and parks along the canal bank, while six locks and 15 bridges will take on a refreshing look. In addition, the silt in the canal will be dredged out to facilitate navigation.
For example, a picture taken by a foreign missionary depicting workers along the canal engaged in strenuous labor, showing the hard struggle and Spartan living of ordinary Chinese people in the past, has been used as the model for a group of sculptures that will be erected along the bank of the canal.
The 1,794-kilometre- long Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, completed in 610 in the Sui Dynasty (581-618), was the world's oldest and longest human-made waterway. Six times longer than the Suez Canal, it links five major natural rivers in China - the Haihe River, the Yellow River, the Huaihe River, the Yangtze River and the Qiantang River, across six provinces.
Nowadays many sections of the canal are not as well preserved as before. Only the Jiangsu and Zhejiang parts remained navigable.
The canal has witnessed economic and cultural exchanges between China's north and south, which brought the imperial power to Hangzhou and carried agricultural products to the north in ancient times.  However, the fast urbanization has brought risks to the Grand Canal, with sections of the canal in the north having become dried up or encroached upon by urbanization and land cultivation.
We have benefited from the canal for hundreds of years and we are responsible for taking care of it,the local government assents and consents.
Although many projects along the canal are still under construction, there are places to stop and see the untarnished and old waterway.
The best way to explore the canal is just drifting along it in a boat. Travelers can take a water bus boating along the canal.
Floating along the canal, travelers can enjoy the different types of Chinese bridges hanging over the waterway and also have a glimpse of the lives of people living in boats and plying the Grand Canal.
Hangzhou now has plans to connect a series of canals and streams throughout the city with the Grand Canal, West Lake, Yuhang River and the Qiantang River, making for increased water transport and an overall Venetian feel.