More than 3 million peasants were pressed into service, supervised by thousands of soldiers.
But for all the sufferings, the canal proved indispensable for the movement of food supplies.
By the year 735, nearly 150 million kilograms of grain were shipped annually along the canal.
Other goods, from cotton to porcelain, were also traded, helping Chinas economy bloom.
Construction of the canal led to many extraordinary engineering innovations.
When railway became available, the canal gradually fell into disuse and disrepair.
Today, only the section from Hangzhou to Jining is navigable.
Sources:Wikipedia/Ancient Worlds/BBC/UNESCO/Nat Geo/Travel China Guide/Encyclopaedia Britannica
