The Pinglu Canal officially opened to navigation today, rewriting the history of southwest China's sea-bound shipping routes.

The old route via the Xijiang River from Nanning Port stretches 827 kilometers and takes 68.9 hours of sailing time. In contrast, the new Pinglu Canal route covers just 204 kilometers, reducing the journey to 17 hours. This translates to 623 fewer kilometers and 51.9 hours saved on every voyage.

As illustrated in a newly released AI-generated infographic, this century-defining project shifts the region from a lengthy detour to a direct run toward the ocean. The canal opens the closest gateway to the sea for the southwestern region, unlocking new momentum for maritime-oriented economic development.