The Grand Canal is the longest and （ old） canal in the world. It forms vast inland waterway system in China, running from the capital Beijing in the north to Zhejiang Province in the south.
（ construct） in sections from the 5th century BC and completed and maintained by several （ dynasty）, it formed the backbone of China's inland communications system, which enabled the supply of rice （ feed） the population. The Grand Canal reached a new peak in the 13th century, providing an inland shipping network consisting of more than 2, 000 km of artificial waterways, linked five of the most important river basins in China, including the Huanghe River and the Changjiang River. Still major means of internal communication today, it （ play） an important role in ensuring the prosperity（繁荣） and stability of China over the ages.
The Grand Canal bears witness to a remarkable and early development of hydraulic engineering（水利工程）. It is an essential technological achievement （ date） from before the Industrial Revolution. It is a perfect example of dealing with difficult natural conditions, as is reflected in the many constructions that are （ full）adapted to the diversity and complexity of circumstances. It best demonstrates the technical capabilities of Eastern civilizations.
