The millennia-old canal flows clear, reflecting the integrity and spirit of our ancestors

The Grand Canal, excavated in the 5th century BC, connects the five major river systems of the Hai River, Yellow River, Huai River, Yangtze River, and Qiantang River. It is a masterpiece of large-scale water conservancy and transportation engineering in human history. The magnificent achievements that have lasted for generations have also nurtured a group of upright and outstanding officials known for their integrity and remarkable political achievements. These individuals, who put the country before their home and public interest before personal gain, are the backbone of the vast land of China. Sun Shuao, the Chancellor of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period, was renowned for his governance that led to Chu's dominance within three years. He supervised the excavation of the Jinghan Canal and the Chaohu Canal and was involved in the construction of water conservancy projects such as the Quebei. Fan Zhongyan, the virtuous Prime Minister of the Northern Song Dynasty known for his principle of 'worrying before others and enjoying after others,' was also skilled in water management. He rebuilt the Haifang Dyke in Taizhou, now known as 'Fan Gong Dyke.' During a severe famine in Wu, he encouraged competitive boat racing in Hangzhou to stimulate consumption, launched major construction projects, and solved employment issues. Yangzhou is a city that prospered because of the salt trade and was the center of the Lianghuai salt industry during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner's office, which managed the salt industry, was also located here. The Lianghuai Salt Case during the Qianlong era foreshadowed the decline of the salt monopoly. In the Daoguang era, the 'Gang Salt System' was changed to the 'Ticket Salt System,' allowing prices to fluctuate with the market to break the monopoly and exclusive operation of the salt industry. Tao Yan, a famous incorruptible official of the Ming Dynasty, supervised the grain transport on the canal three times. He was known for his incorruptibility and frugal lifestyle, earning him the nicknames 'Vegetable Tao' and 'Tao Sangan.' Xu Sanxing, who served as the Imperial Salt Inspector of Lianghuai, was known for his principle of 'not taking surplus' and also compiled a set of 'Salt Law Regulations.' Yang Xifu, a famous Confucian minister of the Qing Dynasty, cared for the people's livelihood and the public good while serving as the Canal Transport Governor. He compiled the 'Canal Transport Regulations' in 20 volumes. Zhang Pengnian, a water conservancy expert of the Qing Dynasty, valued agriculture and sericulture and wrote the 'Complete Book on River Management.' Emperor Kangxi praised him as 'the most incorruptible official under heaven.'