Gongchen Bridge and the Grand Canal 拱宸桥

The largest and best-preserved stone arch bridge on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the southern terminus of a 1,400-year-old waterway.

Insider tip

Combine with Xiaohe Street and the Canal Museum on the west bank, then take a canal water bus instead of a taxi back to the centre.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book Gongchen Bridge and the Grand Canal in advance?

No advance booking is needed.

What are the opening hours of Gongchen Bridge and the Grand Canal?

Open 24 hours

How much is a ticket to Gongchen Bridge and the Grand Canal?

Entry is free. Free: the bridge, the canal walkway and Qiaoxi Historic Block are all free and open all day; the surrounding museums (Grand Canal Museum, Umbrella, Fan, Knife-Scissors-Sword museums) are also free. The Canal water bus No. 1 (Wulinmen Wharf–Gongchen Bridge Wharf) is a separate paid service at CNY 3.

How long do I need at Gongchen Bridge and the Grand Canal?

Plan about 1.5 hours.