As water transport milestones of different eras, the Lingqu Canal and the Pinglu Canal both confront core technical challenges: cross-watershed connectivity, navigation across high elevation drops, and the intensive utilization of water resources.

The Lingqu Canal, a paragon of ancient engineering, embodies the philosophy of water conservation and working in harmony with nature through ingenious designs like the Doumen (ancient locks) and the Huazui-Tianping (spillway system). Inheriting this core logic, the Pinglu Canal represents a technological leap forward in fields such as high-head ship locks, intelligent hubs, ecological water transport, and smart construction.

The ancient canal has always been a hub for the exchange and interaction of different cultural traditions in history. Some of the ancient functional systems of the ancient canal, such as water diversion, flood discharge, irrigation, etc., are still operating normally. Some of the cultural relics of the ancient canal still maintain their original appearance, and some residents living around the canal still maintain certain traditional lifestyles related to the canal, such as washing clothes and vegetables with river water. These are the marks left by the ancient canal for modern times.

This means that we need to explore a path, which is how to revive the original community with a modern lifestyle while preserving the traditions and heritage of the canal? In addition, what other factors need to be considered when helping canal cities build inclusive communities that promote harmonious coexistence between old and new?

In the context of global climate change, the normal life of human beings is being tested. In this context, what are the unique challenges faced by people around the world, such as those living near canals? Are people around the canal more sensitive to the natural environment? How do their voices express?

How to incorporate biodiversity and microenvironmental impacts into the planning and construction of canal waterways? What are the key measures of the ability of the waterway system to resist climate change? What policy tools and infrastructure should be used to ensure sustainable development for all?

Many ancient canal cities are famous tourist destinations, and most of them are facing the choice of tourism development. How can one seize such economic opportunities? How to express the unique charm of the canal to tourists? Especially in the modern media situation, this issue is both real and universal.

At the same time, the pre-thinking that must be made is how to avoid the pressure of development on the original balance state? In particular, how to make the canal resources renewable and sustainable? These issues are also universal in the context of tourism economy.