Master plan of the Grand Canal scenery waterfront to be built in Suzhou New District this year. [Photo/WeChat account: snd-szgxqfb]
Suzhou New District plans to start constructing a Grand Canal scenery waterfront this year to reproduce the natural beauty along the Grand Canal, according to the local government.
The Grand Canal in China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the longest as well as one of the oldest canals or artificial rivers in the world and a renowned tourist destination.
With an investment of 1.2 billion yuan ($188.4 million), the project is expected to extend 8.8 kilometers and cover 60 hectares and will last for two years.
The outworn revetments along the Canal will be repaired, the road landscape will be redesigned and a slow traffic system will be built.
Five themed sceneries will be established along the Canal: folk customs, creative culture, commercial culture, cultural heritage and industrial culture.
According to the planning, a landmark building, Ring of Suzhou, will be erected in the business culture-themed area.
The landmark building is a circular footpath built over the Grand Canal to connect the sports center and commercial center on both sides of the Canal.
