World Canal Conference Focuses on Heritage Protection and Water Transport Upgrades

On October 13th, the 2026 World Canal Conference, themed “Innovation and Perseverance: Key Choices,” opened in Guilin, Guangxi. This marks the third time the World Canal Conference has been held in China and its first appearance in Guangxi. This year’s conference adopts a dual narrative approach: one focusing on the Lingqu Canal, emphasizing heritage protection, restoration, and revitalized use; the other focusing on the Pinglu Canal, showcasing the robust capability for high-quality development in water transport.

This year’s World Canal Conference is jointly hosted by the Guilin Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Department of Transportation, and the International Inland Waterways Organization (IWI). It has attracted nearly 400 representatives from canal cities, research institutions, universities, and canal organizations across more than 20 countries worldwide, engaging in discussions around topics such as world canal heritage protection, water transportation upgrades, and coordinated watershed development.

The conference adopts a “1+4” model, featuring one opening ceremony and four parallel sessions focusing on four major topics: “Perseverance and Breakthrough: Key Choices in Water Transport,” “Integrating Ancient Canals into Modern Community Life,” “Symbiosis Between Humans and Nature,” and “Balancing Tourism and Conservation.” During the conference, supporting activities include three field inspection routes — Pinglu Canal, Lingqu Canal, and Lijiang River — as well as an exhibition showcasing the canal’s cultural legacy and the achievements of modern water transport development in Guangxi.

From the Lingqu Canal of the Qin Dynasty that aligns with nature and harmonizes the human and the natural world, to the Pinglu Canal of the new era that adheres to innovation and strengthens its maritime aspirations, the two canals transcend time and echo each other in Guangxi. The conference will establish a global dialogue and collaboration platform for canal management, further advancing the protection and utilization of Lingqu’s hydraulic heritage and its integration with cultural tourism development. It will also fully enhance the effectiveness of the Pinglu Canal, better serving the construction of the new Western Land-Sea Corridor, fostering China’s openness and cooperation with ASEAN, and comprehensively elevating Guangxi’s level of international exposure and global reputation.