Definition of Grand Canal
1a series of waterways in eastern China, extending from Beijing southwards to Hangzhou, a distance of 1,700 km (1,060 miles). Its original purpose was to transport rice from the river valleys to the cities. Its construction proceeded in stages between 486 bc and ad 1327.
2the main waterway of Venice in Italy, lined on each side by fine palazzos and spanned by the Rialto Bridge.
