Pinglu Canal FAQ
Where is the Pinglu Canal, when did it open, how long is it, can you cruise it, how do you book, and what does it mean for shipping and ASEAN trade?
Answers are compiled from official press conferences and major media reports (as of September 2026). Fares, schedules and policies may change — operators' latest announcements prevail.
Where is the Pinglu Canal?
In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. It starts at Pingtangkou in Hengzhou (Nanning) and runs south along the Qinjiang river through Qinzhou to the Beibu Gulf at Qinzhou Port.
When did the Pinglu Canal open?
It opened to navigation on September 16, 2026. Construction ran from August 28, 2022 to completion.
What is the Pinglu Canal?
A 134.2-km river-to-sea canal — the first built in China since 1949 — connecting the Xijiang river system to the Beibu Gulf. It is built to Class I inland standards for 5,000-tonne vessels and is a backbone project of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor.
How long is it and how large are the vessels?
About 134.2 km, navigable for 5,000-tonne vessels through three twin-line lock hubs that handle a total drop of about 65 metres.
What are the three lock hubs?
Madao, Qishi and Qingnian, from upstream to downstream. Madao is the controlling hub and holds two world records: the largest water-saving inland ship lock and the largest water-level difference for a water-saving lock.
Can tourists cruise on the canal?
Yes. Four sightseeing routes opened with the canal on September 16, 2026 — two from the Xinfu terminal in the Nanning section and two in the Qinzhou section, with journeys of roughly 1.5 to 3 hours. See the Cruise Guide for details.
How do I book a cruise?
Nanning-section tickets are sold via the "南宁水上游" WeChat mini-program and platforms such as Meituan, or on site at the Xinfu terminal; Qinzhou-section tickets via the "泰禾畅游" mini-program. Bring a valid passport or ID for identity checks. Booking typically requires a Chinese phone number; fares and availability are subject to the operators.
Where can I see the canal on land?
Visit the Pinglu Canal Education Center beside Baishihu Lake in Qinzhou (free with online reservation; closed Mondays) — it has a full-route relief model and working lock exhibits. Waterside viewing spaces around the hubs are expected to open progressively.
What does the canal mean for shipping and ASEAN trade?
Public estimates cited in official releases suggest it shortens the inland route to sea by about 560 km, with logistics costs projected to fall by 18–30% on affected flows. Cargo routes to Yangpu (Hainan) and Can Tho (Vietnam) launched on opening day, strengthening river-sea links between southwest China and ASEAN.
Sources (public reports, as of September 2026)
OfficialMinistry of Transport of China2026-09-08
Facts about the Pinglu Canal's constructionView original ↗
MediaXinhua News Agency2026-09-17
Pinglu Canal officially opens to navigationView original ↗
MediaXinhua (chinaview.cn)2026-09-24
First cargo vessel of the Nanning–Can Tho route reaches Can Tho PortView original ↗
MediaNanguo Morning Post2026-09
Sightseeing routes and fares for the Nanning/Qinzhou sectionsView original ↗
Compiled from public reports (September 2026) for reference; official releases prevail for authoritative statements.