China's Imperial Way

This book retraces the Imperial Way, an historical trade and communications route, that at its height was more vital to China's survival than the Silk Road. From Beijing to Hong Kong, over a distance of 3,500 kilometres, it followed the ancient Grand Canal across the northern plains and natural rivers through the mountainous southern provinces.

For almost 1,000 years it was used extensively by soldiers, missionaries, merchants and messengers, travellers, traders, tributaries and diplomats. This is the first publication to examine this important artery that traversed China, but has since fallen into disuse and remained largely forgotten for almost a century.

Discover what this once bustling thoroughfare was like and how it contrasts with what is to be found today. Revealing anecdotes and 200-year-old engravings give fascinating insights into life in historical China, while an engaging and accessible text, illustrated with superb colour photographs and maps, offers a chance to experience the places, people and activities that exist along the route today.

"The canal at this place is, perhaps, the grandest inland navigation in the whole world. For two days we were continually passing among fleets of vessels..." (John Barrow, 1793)

"Each year the southern provinces provide the emperor with everything needed... The boats are commanded by palace eunuchs, and during the hot summer season much of the food stuffs are kept in ice to preserve them." (Matteo Ricci, 1600)

"Along the side of the canal runs the high road to [Canton] and this has been paved throughout and planted with willows. Shops, taverns, and villages line the road so that dwelling succeeds dwelling without intermission." (Rashiduddin, c. 1300)