Nanjing’s Qinhuai River has been an integral part of life in the Southern Capital for many centuries, but it has taken until now for the waterway to become 100 percent navigable. And that’s good news from both a financial and an environmental perspective.
On 24 June, the Honglan Ship Lock in the southern district of Lishui was officially opened to navigation. It means the entire length of the River may now be traversed by marine vessels, thanks to the short canals and their locks, such as that in the Honglan area, that link up the winding Qinhuai.
The vast network of waterways that comprise the Qinhuai River basin covers some 2,631 square kilometres. In Chinese, it’s referred to as being “king” shaped, after the Chinese character, “王”.
The Honglan Ship Lock can be thought of as a link in the lower section of the king’s vertical stroke, while the bottom horizontal stroke represents Shiju Lake.
According to Equal Ocean, the annual quantity of freight transported along the Qinhuai will surpass 16.7 million tons by 2025. This shall also save ¥230 million when compared to using road transportation, a number confirmed by The Paper.
There are also considerable environmental benefits to using the Qinhuai to transport goods; not least the 85,000 tons of carbon emissions that would otherwise be emitted by heavy trucks and lorries.
With those emissions a hot topic, so inland waterways are being increasingly recognised for the role they can play. Canals can be used to generate hydro-electric power, while they are also natural air conditioners, helping to cool the areas surrounding them.
Nanjing is often hit by floods, especially at this time of year. Inland waterways are vital in managing flood risk, while also helping with managing land drainage.
The UK’s Canal & River Trust also recognises inland waterways for their business potential. “They can act as catalysts for regeneration and a focus for development, are vital for many local small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while also supporting and adding value to larger companies”, says the Trust, whose slogan is “Making life better by water”.
Last but not least, let’s not forget tourism. Who hasn’t taken Nanjing’s evening cruise along the Qinhuai River from Confucius Temple?
With passing through lock gates on a canal boat about the most relaxing activity there is, perhaps one day we will be able to cruise along the Qinhuai’s entire 110-kilometre length, for views of Nanjing like never before.
