Digital Armor for the Grand Canal

At the Cultural Heritage Institute of Zhejiang University, researchers are transforming the 110-kilometer Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal into a digital twin. Using photogrammetry and drone-mounted cameras, teams create millimeter-accurate 3D models of heritage sites like the Gongchen Bridge. These models allow engineers to monitor structural integrity remotely, tracking minute changes in cracks or subsidence that would otherwise go unnoticed during traditional foot patrols.

Shen Ying, deputy director of the Hangzhou Grand Canal Protection Center, oversees a multi-layered monitoring network known as "Water, Land, Satellite, and Sky." This platform integrates data from 428 boundary markers equipped with digital modules, effectively providing the canal with a constant, automated pulse. At sites like the Fengshan Water City Gate, technicians utilize a four-color early warning system to categorize structural risks, while inclination sensors provide real-time data transmission to the central "Smart Canal" hub.

Beyond technical preservation, the project brings history to the public through virtual archives and immersive experiences. Since October 2025, tourists have been able to board boats equipped with AR glasses, which overlay animated historical narratives onto the passing landscape. By digitizing over 350 artifacts and offering virtual tours, the initiative ensures that the canal’s cultural legacy remains accessible to a global audience, bridging the gap between ancient engineering and modern digital infrastructure.