The Grand Canal was completed in 608 A.D. during the reign of Sui Emperor Yangdi. But its northern section is no longer functioning and historic old buildings connected with the canal are falling into decay, said Shan Jixiang, head of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.
"The protection of the Grand Canal’s cultural heritage did not receive adequate attention for a long period of time," Shan told a news conference on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress.
In some areas the old canal is being used as a garbage dump, said Shan, showing pictures taken during a recent government inspection.
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