From rivers to the sea: How China built the Pinglu Canal in four years

China's Pinglu Canal is set to open to navigation on September 16. Located in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Pinglu Canal will create a new inland waterway linking the region to the Beibu Gulf.

As the first canal project since the founding of the People's Republic of China to be planned and built under national-level coordination, the Pinglu Canal will connect inland waterways with the sea and further expand China's inland water transport network.

From the first groundbreaking to the first vessel trials, here's a look at the milestones that brought the canal to life:

📍 Aug. 28, 2022 — Construction officially begins

📍 May 23, 2023 — Full-scale construction begins

📍 Apr. 28, 2024 — Main ship lock construction begins at all three hubs

📍 Apr. 28, 2025 — The first segment of the first miter gate is installed

📍 Jan. 1, 2026 — Concrete pouring for the three main ship locks is completed

📍 Apr. 28, 2026 — All 27 bridges crossing the canal are completed

📍 May 16, 2026 — Major works at all three hubs are completed

📍 Jun. 3, 2026 — The entire canal is filled with water

📍 Aug. 12, 2026 — Vessel trials begin

📍 Aug. 28, 2026 — Project acceptance is completed

📍 Sep. 16, 2026 — The canal is set to open to navigation