The construction of a new canal connecting Nanning, capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, with the Beibu Gulf started on May 23.
Designed and built by the China Communications Construction Company Limited, the Pinglu Canal has a designed one-way annual capacity of 89 million metric tons, with a total length of 134.2 kilometers.
The canal starts at the Xijin reservoir in Hengzhou city and ends at the Beibu Gulf, traveling through the Qinjiang River in Luwu town, Lingshan county of Qinzhou.
With a total estimated budget of about 72.7 billion yuan ($10.3 billion), the project includes the construction of waterways, shipping hubs, the renovation of water conservancy facilities, and construction in support of cross-river projects along the river.
Upon completion, the canal will support the region's development and become the shortest, most economical and most convenient sea outlet in southwestern China.
The transfer of the existing channel cargo volume of the canal will help reduce transportation costs of up to 5.2 billion yuan per year.
The canal will play an important role in driving China's foreign trade economy and domestic transportation demand, and will greatly promote the development of industries along the canal.
(Executive editor: Xie Yunxiao)
