8Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
This historic metropolis is known for its beautiful canals and gardens. Suzhou has an impressive network of 15 different canals and is even close to the famous 1200 mile long Grand Canal. It is also the official longest man-made waterway on the planet.
Ground was first broken in 581. It was finally completed in 618. The minor canals and even the Grand Canal itself all pass through the more memorable areas of this Chinese city.
Aveiro, Portugal, is quite more beautiful than many on the list
I all 10, no mention of Germany and it’s many rivers that traverse close to castles. I’ve heard the views are fantastic. Had hoped it would have been included herein, but also, I suppose it did not rate high enough on your scale of the ‘best’. Too bad.
Yea, I liked it, but it doesn’t have a very big canal network. But I certainly beats Birmingham in terms of beauty.
Yanagawa Japan is reknowm for its canals. Yanagawa is popular with Japanese tourists because of its 470 km of wide canals. Yanagawa riverboats, called “donkobune”, are used to take tourists around the city. In 1987 a video documentary was created by Studio Ghibli about these canals and their restoration. Yanagawa is the birthplace of Kitahara Hakushu, a Meiji era poet and writer of children’s songs. An annual three-day festival is held every November in Yanagawa complete with poetry readings, fireworks, music, and a great number of evening boat rides.
Yes, it is a popular place with Japanese tourists. It’s a noteworthy locale and undoubtedly would have made the list had the list been longer. Thanks for your support and your comment!