Editor's Note: The Hangzhou culture, radio, film and tourism bureau has unveiled a list of the 50 experience centers that best bring out the essence of the 19th Asian Games and the unique charm of Hangzhou. The centers focus on history and culture, digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, intangible cultural heritage, sports and health.

Grand Canal Cruise Ship

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, which has been running for over 2,500 years, is the oldest and longest artificial canal in the world. The canal, together with the Great Wall, is known as one of the "two magnificent projects of ancient China".

The Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal stretches a total length of 39 kilometers. It enters the city from Tangqi ancient town in Yuhang district, travels through Gongshu and Shangcheng districts, and finally flows into the Qiantang River from the Three Gorges ship lock.

Wulinmen Wharf is at the southernmost end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. From there, one can take a cruise all the way north, traveling across the Qingyuan Bridge, visiting the imperial wharf where Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) stepped ashore during his inspection tour in southern China, explore the Fuyi Granary and its artistic rebirth, and be immersed into a vibrant picture of the integration of civic life and modernity along the Grand Canal in Hangzhou.

Address: Wulinmen Wharf ticket office, No 208 North Huancheng Road, Gongshu district, Hangzhou

Tel: +86-571-136-6661-8603

A cruise ship travels under the Gongchen Bridge, a famous cultural landmark on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal that was built during the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

Gongchen Bridge and its surroundings offer a magnificent view at night. [Photo/VCG]