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Explore the ancient ruins of the Grand Canal Wharf, where visitors can walk along the remnants of the old canal, view the exposed stonework, and learn about the historical importance of this site. It's also an ideal place for photography and appreciating ancient architectural features.
The ruins of the Liuzi Grand Canal Wharf are located in Liuzi Administrative Village, Baishan Town, Suixi County, Huaibei City. It dates from the Sui Dynasty to the Song Dynasty. Liuzi was a town on the Tongji Canal of the Grand Canal during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. The canal prospered for 500 years. Volume 3 of "The Book of Sui: Chronicle of Emperor Yang" records: " On the 1st day of the third month of the first year of Daye, more than one million men and women from various counties in Henan were mobilized to open the Tongji Canal."
The Tongji Canal ( known as the Bian Canal during the Tang and Song dynasties ) flows over 40 kilometers through Tanxi County, Huaibei City. Investigations revealed that the canal's mouth is approximately 40 meters wide, its bottom is approximately 15 meters wide, and its depth is 7 meters. The north bank is 40 meters wide and 5 meters above ground level, while the south bank is approximately 20 meters wide and 4 meters above ground level. After the canal was abandoned, the riverbed was 2-3 meters above ground level, covering a total area of 4 square kilometers.
Before liberation, the river channel between the north and south dikes, which rose above the ground, formed a trough road. Sports cars could be heard but not seen by those outside the dikes. This section of the Grand Canal, built during the Sui Dynasty, formed a section of the Yellow River. After passing Kaifeng, it turned southeast, passing through Songcheng and Yongcheng in Henan Province, and then into towns like Liuzi and Guoqiao in Anhui Province. It then emptied into the Huai River from Hongze Lake, creating a new river channel spanning over 800 kilometers.
This river, which flowed for over 500 years through the Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties, silted up and was abandoned during the Southern Song. In recent decades, farming and soil erosion have gradually leveled the riverbanks on both sides, and the river channel has been converted into a provincial highway from Si County, Anhui Province to Yongcheng City, Henan Province.
In 1999 , in conjunction with the construction of the Siyong Highway, 900 square meters of excavation were conducted, unearthing a large number of porcelain specimens from more than a dozen kilns in northern and southern China during the Tang and Song dynasties. Eight Tang Dynasty shipwrecks were discovered , three of which were recovered. A Song Dynasty stone wharf was also discovered. These discoveries represent firsts in archaeological excavations along the Grand Canal in China .
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The Liuzi Sui and Tang Grand Canal Wharf Ruins are remnants of the ancient Grand Canal that once connected the northern and southern parts of China. These ruins are a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the Tang dynasty, reflecting the canal's role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange.
The site is located in Huaibei, Anhui. Visitors can reach the site by taking a taxi from the Huaibei city center or by using local buses. It is accessible by walking, though it may require a bit of navigation if you’re coming from distant areas.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature is more comfortable and the site is less crowded.
The entrance fee is approximately 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the site. Online booking is generally not required for this site.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, though it may be useful during peak tourist seasons or public holidays.
A visit to the ruins generally takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the historical details and exploration of the surrounding area.
The key highlights include the ancient stone structures of the canal wharf and the archaeological sites that showcase the remains of the canal’s infrastructure. The surrounding area, with its scenic views, is also worth exploring.
Guided tours are available at the site in Mandarin. Audio guides may not be available, but local guides often offer insights into the historical significance of the ruins.
The best spots for photography are near the exposed stone structures and along the remaining sections of the canal. These areas offer great views of the ruins against the backdrop of the surrounding landscape.
It is recommended to start your visit by exploring the main canal wharf remains, then walk around the site to view other parts of the ruins. Take time to appreciate the historical markers and stonework throughout the site.
Night visits and light shows are not available at this site. It is best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the historical context and architecture.
The site is generally not crowded, but it can get busier on weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.
The site has basic facilities including public toilets and rest areas. There are no food stalls or shops on-site, so visitors may need to bring their own snacks or drinks.
The site is accessible for elderly and children, though some areas may have uneven terrain. It may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to the natural conditions of the site.
Cash is generally accepted for entrance fees, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in the area, including for taxis and local transport.
There are a few local restaurants serving traditional Anhui cuisine near the site. However, for more variety, you may need to travel to the city center of Huaibei.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in local restaurants. Halal food may be found in specialized eateries in Huaibei city.
There are a few budget hotels and guesthouses in Huaibei, with more mid-range and higher-end options available in the city center.
Nearby attractions include the Huaibei Museum and the Qianshan Scenic Area. These sites can easily be combined into a day trip from the Liuzi Sui and Tang Grand Canal Wharf Ruins.
There are small souvenir shops near the site selling local handicrafts, postcards, and souvenirs related to the Grand Canal's history.
Taxis and local buses are the best transportation options to continue your journey. Alternatively, the Huaibei Railway Station offers train services to other parts of Anhui and beyond.
