【正确答案】The Grand Canal, the longest man-made river the world has ever seen, stretches from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south. It is hailed as one of the most magnificent projects throughout the history of China. Launched in the 4th century BC, it was completed at the end of the 13th century AD with the original purpose of grain transportation. Later, its scope of shipment included other commodities. Gradually, the areas along the Grand Canal developed into the industrial and commercial hubs of China. Through the ages, it has been playing a prominent part in promoting the economic development of China, greatly enhancing the personnel exchanges and cultural interaction between the northern and southern regions.