China to open Pinglu Canal to shipping on September 16, 2026 — ECNS
China will officially open the Pinglu Canal for shipping on September 16, 2026. The canal connects the mouth of the Pingtan River near Nanning with Beibu Bay via the port city of Qinzhou. Authorities of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region announced this at a press conference in Nanning.
As ECNS reports, the canal's main structures have passed inspection, and all procedures for the start of operations have been completed. The canal is described as a key project of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in western China.
Route and project cost
Construction began on August 28, 2022. The total cost of the project is about 72.7 billion yuan, or approximately $10.4 billion.
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The canal is 134.2 kilometers long. According to ECNS, it is China's first river-to-sea canal project planned and built at the national level since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
Expected impact on transportation
After it enters operation, the canal is expected to shorten the water route for cargo from southwestern China to the sea by more than 560 kilometers compared with traditional routes. A reduction in transportation time to the main ports of ASEAN countries is also expected.
Total logistics costs are forecast to decrease by 18–30%, while annual transportation savings will exceed 5 billion yuan, or about $714 million. The canal meets China's highest Class I inland waterway standard and will be able to accommodate vessels with a carrying capacity of up to 5,000 tonnes. Inland, seagoing, and internationally flagged vessels that meet safety requirements will be able to travel from Beibu Bay to the canal; mandatory pilotage and strict safety inspections are предусмотрены for internationally flagged vessels.
