Methods and Paths for Building Characteristic Cultural Brand of Henan Section of the Grand Canal

Henan Section of the Grand Canal is an essential part of China’s Grand Canal cultural belt construction. It is an important link between the inland, grassland and maritime civilization in ancient China. Besides, it is also a pivotal hub for the extensive exchange of world civilizations. It has nurtured the early Central Plain City Clusters. The canal system connecting the north and the south has guaranteed the water balance and water security of ancient China. Based on the analysis of the actual problems in construction of the cultural belt of Henan Section of the Grand Canal, this paper analyzed the paths and possibilities of the innovative use of the Grand Canal culture in the new era. It is recommended to take advantage of the cultural resources of the Grand Canal to optimize the urban spatial pattern, rebuild the water ecological civilization system of Henan Province, and build a rest space shared by the hosts and the guests to meet people’s ever-increasing needs for a better life.