History and Culture

    The Grand Canal runs from Beijing in the North to Hangzhou in the South, winding its way of 1,782 kilometers. Having a long history of over 2,000 years, it is as well-known to the world as the Great Wall. Out of concern for the political, military and economic interest, the Canal was first dug at the end of Spring and Autumn Period, and was kept digging for many dynasties in Feudal Society. In Sui Dynasty, after three large-scale renovations and further digging, a water passage was finally completed. From then on, it has served as a transportation artery connecting the north and south, and it has also constructed a convenient transportation network around it. Along the Canal, a batch of famous cities and forts were built and developed. It is found that four out of seven old capitals in China were located along the Canal, making it the most prosperous and rich place at the time.
    Gongshu District lies at the south end of the Grand Canal. The Canal has brought up people in Gongshu generation after generation, and at the same time, the development of Gongshu has witnessed the ups and downs of the Canal. The district is also known for its numerous historical places of interest: Shuitianban Relics of Banshan, Relics Warring Period Tombs in Shitang of Banshan, Gongcheng Bridge, Stone Tower of Xiangji Temple, Gao’s Garden, Yangguan, Zhuertan, Fuyi Barn, Xiaohezhijie, Cultural Blocks of Qiaoxi, Eight Scenic Spots of Hushu, Yongning Bridge, Xiangfu Bridge and Banshan Bridge etc. What’s more, the legends of King Kan of Nimadu and Emperor Qianlong and Kanxi’s visits to the south all leave the place with valuable cultural heritage.
    Ever since the end of 1997, Gongshu District has clarified and agreed on the working thought of building the Canal Culture and in the third People’s Representative Conference of Gongshu District held in 1998, it has been made clear that “Building the Canal Culture Scenery” will be the goal and main task of the District in the coming years. It has been proposed that since the canal culture is the treasure inherited from the history and the unique advantage in culture development, the District should make full use of it. By making both sides of the Canal greener, brighter, more prosperous and more beautiful and by integrating gardening, tourism, construction and commerce into the Canal Culture Scenery, Gongshu District should take on a brand new look in the new era.
    The District has stepped in vigorous strides in promoting culture industry. By focusing on the Canal Culture, supporting leading enterprises like Hangzhou Culture Market and relying on the key projects of the Canal Culture Square and the Canal Museum, the development pattern of “One District, Two Bridges, Three Streets and Four Centers” has been established. In recent years, Gongshu District has implemented many projects of the public culture facilities construction, such as the Gongshu Library, Sports and Culture Development Center of Gongshu District, the Gongshu Stadium and the Sports Building of Gongshu District. It has also completed the renovation of the important historical remains—Gao’s Garden. By various efforts to make a number of highlights, the brand of “Culture Gongshu” has been successfully achieved.
    In recent years, many activities with unique Gongshu characteristics have been organized: the Grand Canal Culture and Arts Festival, the Dragon-boat Festival, the Singing Competition in the Canal Square, Lantern Festival and Jogging Competition along the Canal. These activities have helped attract attention, lift spirit, expand influence and establish brand. Besides, some literary and artistic creations relating to the Canal Culture have won many prizes at provincial and municipal levels. About 300 various culture & sports associations and societies have been set up to promote the flourishing of culture. Even at sub-district level, culture and sports facilities have been gradually improved with a total of 12,000 square kilometers culture and sports centers and stations at district and sub-district levels well guaranteeing the launching of culture and sports activities among the citizens.