The smart channel is a new information-based research and construction direction of channels，which is derived from the development of smart shipping. Relevant research and engineering construction have developed rapidly throughout the country. This study is to clarify the historical position of the development of smart channels at this stage and promote the research and construction of smart channels in a scientific and effective manner. Specifically，this paper divides the development of smart channels into three stages through nationwide information-based research on channels，taking the national five-year plan as the main line. Then，it analyzes the main results of each stage and points out the existing problems such as the unclear concept of the smart channel，lack of intelligent navigation support，the non-unified standard of the electronic navigation chart（ENC），the lagging update mechanism，insufficient service capability，and the absence of the information sharing mechanism. On this basis，it puts forward relevant suggestions from four aspects：the construction of the smart channel evaluation system，intelligent navigation support，application of the S-100 standard，and construction of the operation monitoring mechanism for multi-level inland waterway networks.