The General Administration of Sport of China, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will begin a statewide fitness walking program called "Walking the Grand Canal" in 2021. We will promote the conservation, inheritance, and usage of Grand Canal culture along the Grand Canal through vigorous walking, which is popular with the general public, and will explore a new road for the deep integration of national fitness and national health, sports, and cultural tourism.

This year's national events took place along the Grand Canal in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Anhui, Henan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces during the May Day holiday. Linping District, Hangzhou City, as one of the country's major venues, is located along the Linping Grand Canal Greenway. The event has two routes: the full (10-kilometer) route from under the Donghu North Road Bridge to Tangqi Ancient Town of the Canal, and the half (4.2-kilometer) route from Quanzhang Bus Terminal to Tangqi Ancient Town of the Canal. On May 7, 2023, representatives from our university attended the national "Walking on the Grand Canal" activity in Linping, Hangzhou, at the invitation of the organizer.They successfully walked the entire 10 kilometers while enjoying the gorgeous landscape of the canal.

(Student activity sharing)

Sam Mbewe from Zambia：

On May 7th, I had the privilege to visit the Grand Canal in LinPing, and I had a great experience, it was fun and exciting. I walked for 10 kilometers, visiting different places while having fun with my entourage. Fun and exciting experience definitely one to remember!

Colin Barrettfrom Jamaica：

We completed the 10 km journey in 2 hours and 49 minutes, after making 14,411 steps. It was a difficult journey but the time spent enjoying the scenery and walking with friends made it all worth it. Overall, the experience was an excellent one that I will always cherish in my memory and I hope that in the future I will be able to experience this amazing adventure once more.

Edward Gottliebfrom Indonesia：

The trip was such a breathtaking and memorable experience. To walk beside the Great Canal that is seemingly endless, and at the same time being able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature around it isn't something that you often experience. The event and place were thought out very properly, with stops that offer refreshing drinks, and public toilets that were available in lots of places. At the end of the trip, we were also greeted by a beautiful place with restaurants and shops selling street food. It brought smile to all of our faces and definitely something that cannot be easily forgotten.

Mudathir Mowia Mohmoud Elhag from Sudan：

Mix feelings through the whole journey, tiredness, happiness and amazed by the beauty of the canal, and the view around it was very beautiful, especially the big boats on the Canal passing by us. In order to ensure everyone's safety throughout the event, police were also present. All in all, it was a wonderful experience that I will always treasure in my heart. I hope that someday I will be able to embark on another spectacular journey like this one.