Four years after construction began, the Pinglu Canal project has successfully passed completion acceptance, marking a solid step toward its opening to navigation.

Starting at the mouth of the Pingtang River in Hengzhou, Nanning, the Pinglu Canal runs along the Qinjiang River to the Beibu Gulf, stretching 134.2 kilometers.

As a key project of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the canal will provide southwest China with the shortest, most economical and most convenient route to the sea.

The Pinglu Canal is primarily designed for navigation, while also serving functions including water supply, irrigation, flood control and ecological improvement. Construction began on Aug. 28, 2022. Major works include the waterway, navigation hubs, upgrades to water conservancy facilities and supporting cross-river infrastructure along the route.

Photo shows the Madao hub on the Pinglu Canal. 

Photo shows the Qishi hub on the Pinglu Canal.

Photo shows the Qingnian hub on the Pinglu Canal.

Once operational, the canal will shorten the inland shipping distance from southwest China to the sea by more than 560 kilometers compared with routes via Guangzhou Port, while reducing overall logistics costs by 18 to 30 percent and providing strong momentum for regional trade and economic development.