Hongze Lake, in western Jiangsu Province, is one of China’s five largest freshwater lakes, covering 2,069 square kilometers with a storage capacity of about 3.13 billion cubic meters. Its irregular shape resembles a swan lifting its head.

Hongze Lake, often known as the “Three Gorges Water Conservancy Project” of 400 years ago, maintains a special connection with the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Formed to keep the canal navigable and unobstructed, this vast reservoir is a vital cornerstone for the canal’s smooth operation. It also served as a critical “water hub” in the evolution of the Grand Canal of China. One might say, “the lake was born because of the canal, and the canal remains smooth thanks to the lake.” Hongze Lake, which has served as a vital resource since ancient times, is not only a reliable water source but also a stunning natural landscape and a distinctive cultural landmark. It stands as a showcase of the canal’s ecological heritage and a living testament to harmonious water culture.