Grand Canal of Suzhou, China

Photo & story by: Debbie Stock

Italy is known for its canals and gondola rides that delight tourists, while China also takes advantage of its abundant canals near tourist attractions such as this scene where waterways and canals surround the Suzhou's Leaning Tower of Tiger Hill, China's very own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

Tourists here can take rides in the "Venice of the East," teaming with canals and winding waterways of Suzhou's Grand Canal, the longest man-made waterway in the world! Running approx. 1,200 miles from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south, it connects to river systems along the way.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grand Canal can be traced more than 2,000 years to around 495 B.C. Ten ancient city gates, 20+ stone bridges, Hanshan Temple and West Garden Temple span more than 50 miles of Suzhou waterway visible during the day or illuminated by night on gondola boat rides.

Downtown Suzhou's city center is bound by a large, rectangular canal. Nine east-west canals and 12 north-south canals lie within its boundaries.

Next photo: Mom and child at Tiananmen Square