From 2002 to 2007, as the Hangzhou government undertook the massive project of conserving and restoring the Grand Canal, it also built about 21 kilometers of paths along both sides of the canal in the main city district. These walking pathways, lit at night, provide residents with more leisure venues.
Cherished by residents and tourists alike, the paths are for both leisure and tourism, and offer many sports and fitness features.
Sightseeing track of the main urban area starts from Jingjiang Bridge in Jianggan District in the south, and reaches Beixing Bridge in Gongshu District in the north. It is not only a landscape track integrating multiple functions including tourism and fitness, but a huge park nearby for every Hangzhou citizen and a convenient slow traffic line. It connects all the scenic spots along the canal just like a huge pearl necklace. Tourists from home and aboard can stroll along the track to have a taste of the canal culture and enjoy the landscape along the canal. West Lake Cultural Square and Canal Cultural Square are two highlights of the canal section in the urban area. They are also two major places of entertainment for citizens living along the canal.
(Source: Hangzhou Weekly)