The Excavation of the Canal in Shandong in the Yuan Dynasty and Its Impact on Regional Society
Despite issues such as unreasonable division points,shallow and obstructed waterways,and the encroachment of the Yellow River,the formation of the Shandong section of the Grand Canal during the Yuan Dynasty yielded tremendous eco-nomic and social benefits.It promoted the development of towns along its route,the prosperity of commerce,and the flourish-ing of culture.The value of the canal management experience and hydraulic engineering techniques passed down through gen-erations is immeasurable.However,the excavation of the Shandong Canal during the Yuan Dynasty was a double-edged sword.While it spurred economic development,the human alteration of the canal area's river-lake water system,soil struc-ture,and planting patterns also led to a series of ecological problems,causing certain negative impacts.