Pinglu Canal Excavation Complete, Set to Open September 2026

China’s Pinglu Canal, the first canal built since 1949 that connects an inland river system directly to the sea, reached a major milestone on May 28, 2026, as the main channel excavation was fully completed. The 134.2-kilometer waterway in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is on track to open for navigation in September 2026, according to CCTV News.

A Landmark Infrastructure Project

Construction of the Pinglu Canal began in August 2022 with an estimated budget of approximately 727 billion yuan (roughly US$100 billion). The canal is built to National Class I inland waterway standards, capable of accommodating 5,000-tonne vessels. It connects the Xijiang River — part of the Pearl River system — with the Beibu Gulf at Qinzhou Port, creating a direct river-to-sea passage for the first time in modern Chinese history.

As of late May, the project’s cumulative investment completion rate stands at 95.5%, with overall progress exceeding 95%, according to Cheng Yaofei, Commander of the Pinglu Canal Engineering Construction Command, as reported by 21 Economic News. The waterway is approximately 93% formed, and the Nanning section has already achieved water flow.

Engineering Achievements and World Records

The canal features three navigation hubs — Madou, Qishi, and Qingnian — designed to manage a total elevation difference of 65 meters between the starting point at Xijin Reservoir and sea level at Qinzhou Port. Metal structure installation for all three hubs was completed on May 16, 2026, marking the full completion of the main枢纽 (navigation hub) structures.

Li Mingjing, Deputy Party Secretary and General Manager of Guangxi Pinglu Canal Construction Co., Ltd., told Sina News that the canal has set three world records: “the largest inland river water-saving ship lock under construction, the highest water head, and the fastest-operating water-saving ship lock.” The project also incorporates a “Digital Twin Smart Canal” system using BeiDou satellite navigation, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring and management.

Strategic and Economic Significance

The Pinglu Canal is the backbone project of China’s New Western Land-Sea Corridor, a national strategy to create a more efficient trade route connecting China’s western and southwestern regions to ASEAN markets. When operational, the canal will shorten the inland river route for goods from Southwest China by more than 560 kilometers compared to the traditional route via Guangzhou Port, according to Yicai.

Li Mingjing estimated that the canal will save over 52 billion yuan annually in transportation costs for regions along the corridor. The canal’s opening is strategically timed to coincide with the China-ASEAN Expo, scheduled for September 17-21, 2026, underscoring its role in deepening China-ASEAN economic integration.

Economic Transformation for Guangxi

Wu Jian, Director of the Regional Development Research Institute at the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences, told Yicai that the canal will “restructure the industrial belt along the river, attracting port-oriented industries to cluster along the canal.” Traditional industries that previously relied on the Pearl River Delta for export can achieve localized exports through the canal, enhancing value and competitiveness.

Qinzhou Port, equipped with China’s first sea-rail intermodal automated container terminal, will serve as a key transshipment hub. The port’s U-shaped process design enables efficient cargo handling, with smart-guided transport vehicles improving operational density by 50%.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the ambitious timeline, experts caution that operational success will depend on more than engineering. Hao Panfeng, Secretary-General of the China Container Transport Association, told Yicai that the canal’s real value lies in developing supporting logistics, shipping, and industrial systems. Key challenges include competing with the established Xijiang River shipping system, attracting higher-value containerized cargo, and integrating with existing sea-rail intermodal services under the New Western Land-Sea Corridor.

Looking Forward

With main excavation complete and over 95% of the project finished, the September 2026 opening target appears achievable. Guangxi officials have emphasized a focus on commissioning hub projects, completing remaining earth and rock excavation, and advancing supporting infrastructure. The canal positions Guangxi to transition from “passively receiving radiation” to “actively building a hub” in regional trade, marking a new chapter in China’s inland waterway development and its connectivity with Southeast Asia.