Interpreting heritage canals from the perspective of historical events: a case study of the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal, China

Abstract

ABSTRACT Taking the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal in China as a case study, this research develops an approach towards interpreting heritage canals from the perspective of historical events. First, we classified historical events related to the canal into three types. Through historical literature archives and relevant research, architectural works and places that are related to the historical events were identified and located on contemporary maps and were verified by field investigations. Then, we examined the role of the heritage canal in shaping the regional cultural landscape concerning the canal based on a process that evaluated the degree of correlation between the works (constructions) and places and the Grand Canal. Finally, we explored which historic works and places were related to the core values of the canal and how these works and places were joined into a network by interacting with each other during the developmental process. This approach reveals the mechanisms by which a heritage canal plays a defining role in its related cultural landscape system. With this information, further strategies can be developed regarding the conservation and urban design for heritage canals.