China's southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region sits right on the Beibu Gulf, yet cargo for this area used to first travel 560 kilometers to Guangdong Port for shipping, a trip that many tons of fruit have not survived.

In 1968, a research team carrying only rudimentary instruments ascended the mountains to collect data for a feasibility report. It was a pivotal moment in the century-long development of the Pinglu Canal.

Watch the CGTN documentary “From Vision to Connection” to find out more.