China's Pinglu Canal Opens: Shipping Revolutionizes Southwest

The Pinglu Canal, China's first national-level river-to-sea waterway since 1949, is scheduled to commence shipping operations on September 16, 2026. This extensive 134.2-kilometer project connects the Xijiang River to the Beibu Gulf and is designed for vessels up to 5,000 metric tons.

Officials anticipate that goods from Southwest China will see inland shipping distances reduced by over 560 km. This efficiency is projected to lower overall logistics costs by 18 to 30 percent annually, saving society more than 5 billion yuan in transport expenses and fundamentally altering logistics networks across the region.

Construction of the Pinglu Canal involved more than 70,000 local residents, who received approximately 2.6 billion yuan in payments. The project also included the development of 17 resettlement communities, new school facilities, and significant water supply infrastructure to benefit local populations.

With major civil works complete and operational trials concluded, the canal is ready for service. To encourage traffic, lockage fees will be waived until December 31, 2026. From January 1, 2027, a fee of 1 yuan per gross ton will apply for each lock passage.

Guangxi authorities are actively promoting cargo matching events to ensure robust vessel traffic and cargo volumes. The development of the Pinglu Canal Economic Belt and port-oriented industries is planned to drive sustained growth along this vital new trade corridor, reinforcing its role in national and international trade strategies.