Shaoxing will implement a series of regulations on Jan 1, 2020 to protect the section of the Grand Canal that is in the city.

The Grand Canal was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2014, and the Shaoxing section is in the southernmost part of it, stretching 101.4 kilometers.

The regulations stress protection of not only river channels, but also villages, water conservancy projects, shipping facilities, cultural relics, and natural landscapes along the canal.

Renovations of old villages and streets, as well as improvement of the environment along the canal are also included in the regulations.

Any unit or individual who removes or demolishes any protected item will be fined, with fines of 200,000 yuan ($28,561) to 500,000 yuan for the violating unit, as well as fines of 100,000 yuan to 200,000 yuan for the violating individual.