The Zaozhuang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal in Shandong province is beautifully illuminated by a set of lanterns themed on "prosperity brought by the dragon and the phoenix" in the Taierzhuang ancient town scenic area. [Photo/WeChat account: Taierzhuang ancient town]

Shandong province has been ramping up efforts to build a comprehensive inland water transportation network that is "connected to seas and rivers", local media reported.

According to the Shandong Provincial Department of Transportation, as of the end of June, the Xiaoqing River resumption project had completed an investment of 10.99 billion yuan ($1.64 billion), accounting for 81 percent of the total investment. About 95 percent of the project's waterway works, 80 percent of ship lock works and 74 percent of bridge works are complete.

After the resumption of cargo transport along the Xiaoqing River, the river-sea combined transportation can divert more than 40 million metric tons of bulk cargo every year, which is equivalent to the cargo traffic of another Qingdao-Jinan Railway, which will greatly reduce logistics and transportation costs and effectively stimulate the economy of cities along the route. 

Along with the Xiaoqing River navigation project, Shandong province plans to move forward with other initiatives this year, including the improvement and reconstruction of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal's main channel and the Daqing River navigation project.

The main channel of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal will improve its freight throughput from 1,000 tons to 2,000 tons, and to create an extensive network of inland waterways. Shandong will also modernize and expand ports like Liangshan and Longgong.