China plays a leading and exemplary role in world's canal construction and canal economic and cultural exchanges.This paper summarizes the development history of canal in China,also the basic information and functional value of the world's top 10 canals,and then expounds dreams and plans of canal in modern history in China.In the new era,the development of inland navigation has adjusted to the comprehensive benefits of national economy,industrial layout,social environment and other aspects.This paper analyzes the planning background and significance of cross-river system connection in the new era,emphatically introduces the planning process,engineering difficulties and technical innovations of Pinglu Canal,which can be used as a reference for the planning and consultation of similar projects.