South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is making waves with the construction of the Pinglu Canal, a monumental project set to revolutionize trade and transportation in the region. This 134.2-kilometer waterway is the country’s first major canal connecting inland waterways directly to the sea, serving as a flagship project of China’s New Western Land-Sea Corridor.
The canal starts at the Xijin Reservoir in Hengzhou, cuts through Qinzhou, and flows into the Beibu Gulf. Built to Class I inland waterway standards, it will accommodate vessels up to 5,000 tonnes. While its primary purpose is to enhance navigation and shipping, the canal also integrates water supply, irrigation, flood control, and ecological improvement.
One of the most impressive features of the Pinglu Canal is the Madao Junction, the first of three tiered navigation hubs. To overcome a 65-meter elevation difference between inland and sea level, the Madao Junction will feature the world’s largest inland water-saving ship lock. This engineering marvel measures 300 meters in length, 34 meters in width, and 8 meters in depth, with a maximum operating head of 29.6 meters. Its innovative three-level water-saving chambers are designed to conserve 60% of the water typically used in ship lifting.
Set for completion in 2026 with an investment of around 72.7 billion yuan, the canal is expected to dramatically shorten shipping routes to the sea by over 560 kilometers for cargo ships from southwest China. This will provide the most direct inland access to ASEAN markets, bolstering regional integration and global trade.
Beyond trade, the Pinglu Canal is poised to transform the economic landscape along its route. It supports Guangxi’s “one zone, two hubs, one base, and one corridor” initiative, positioning the region as a strategic gateway that boosts both domestic and international economic flows. The project underscores China’s commitment to high-quality development in its western regions, turning resource advantages into new drivers of growth.
