Since the Grand Canal was excavated, it has served as a cultural route connecting all directions of civilisations. The canal makes huge contribution to the long-lasting continuity and transmission of Chinese culture. On a macro level, it profoundly promoted cultural exchanges, mutual learning, and the coexistence of human civilisations. Along this passage are numerous ancient capital cities, each rich in historical heritage and cultural resources, interdependent and accompanying each other. Over the past millennium, a canal transport network and similar ways of life shared by the cities along the Grand Canal, has formed a hierarchical and coordinated urban community, functioning as a platform for cultural exchange, mutual learning between the Chinese culture and foreign cultures, as well as the integration between regional cultures. This community pattern continues to create favourable conditions for the progression of Chinese civilisation after the dynasties of Han and Tang.