Nanjing’s Qinhuai River has been an integral part of life in the Southern Capital for many centuries, but it has taken until now for the waterway to become 100 percent navigable. And that’s good news from both a financial and an environmental perspective.
几个世纪以来，南京的秦淮河一直是南都生活不可或缺的一部分，但直到现在，这条水道才实现100%通航。从财务和环境角度来看，这都是好消息。
On 24 June, the Honglan Ship Lock in the southern district of Lishui was officially opened to navigation. It means the entire length of the River may now be traversed by marine vessels, thanks to the short canals and their locks, such as that in the Honglan area, that link up the winding Qinhuai.
6月24日，丽水南区红兰船闸正式通航。这意味着，由于较短的运河及其船闸（例如红栏地区的船闸）将蜿蜒的秦淮河连接起来，现在整个河流都可以被海船通行。
The vast network of waterways that comprise the Qinhuai River basin covers some 2,631 square kilometres. In Chinese, it’s referred to as being “king” shaped, after the Chinese character, “王”.
秦淮河流域庞大的水道网络覆盖约2,631平方公里。在中文中，它被称为“王”形，源自汉字“王”。
The Honglan Ship Lock can be thought of as a link in the lower section of the king’s vertical stroke, while the bottom horizontal stroke represents Shiju Lake.
红栏船闸可以认为是王竖画下段的一环，而底部横画则代表石驹湖。
According to Equal Ocean, the annual quantity of freight transported along the Qinhuai will surpass 16.7 million tons by 2025. This shall also save ¥230 million when compared to using road transportation, a number confirmed by The Paper.
据平等海洋预测，到2025年，秦淮河年货运量将超过1670万吨，与公路运输相比，还可节省2.3亿元人民币。澎湃新闻证实这一数字。
There are also considerable environmental benefits to using the Qinhuai to transport goods; not least the 85,000 tons of carbon emissions that would otherwise be emitted by heavy trucks and lorries.
利用秦淮河运输货物还具有相当大的环境效益；尤其是重型卡车和卡车原本会排放的 85,000 吨碳排放量。
With those emissions a hot topic, so inland waterways are being increasingly recognised for the role they can play. Canals can be used to generate hydro-electric power, while they are also natural air conditioners, helping to cool the areas surrounding them.
随着这些排放成为热门话题，内陆水道的作用也越来越受到人们的认可。运河可用于水力发电，同时它们也是天然空调，有助于为周围地区降温。
Nanjing is often hit by floods, especially at this time of year. Inland waterways are vital in managing flood risk, while also helping with managing land drainage.
南京经常遭受洪水袭击，尤其是每年的这个时候。内陆水道对于管理洪水风险至关重要，同时也有助于管理土地排水。
The UK’s Canal & River Trust also recognises inland waterways for their business potential. “They can act as catalysts for regeneration and a focus for development, are vital for many local small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while also supporting and adding value to larger companies”, says the Trust, whose slogan is “Making life better by water”.
英国运河与河流信托基金也认可内陆水道的商业潜力。该信托基金表示：“它们可以作为再生的催化剂和发展的焦点，对许多当地中小企业至关重要，同时也为大公司提供支持和增值”。该信托基金的口号是“让水让生活更美好”。
Last but not least, let’s not forget tourism. Who hasn’t taken Nanjing’s evening cruise along the Qinhuai River from Confucius Temple?
最后但并非最不重要的一点是，我们不要忘记旅游业。谁没有参加过从夫子庙出发的南京晚间秦淮河游船？
With passing through lock gates on a canal boat about the most relaxing activity there is, perhaps one day we will be able to cruise along the Qinhuai’s entire 110-kilometre length, for views of Nanjing like never before.
乘坐运河船过闸门是最轻松的活动，也许有一天我们可以沿着秦淮河全长110公里航行，以前所未有的方式欣赏南京的景色。
