The 2026 World Canals Conference is being held in Guilin, South Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from October 12 to 15, with the Lijiang River playing a central role. The river is one of the conference’s three official field visit routes and an important extension of the Lingqu Canal's water system, embodying a millennia-old canal civilization. Guilin is currently advancing a comprehensive campaign to improve the river’s ecological environment. The river's main stream has maintained Grade II surface water quality for years, and all 1,210 sightseeing rafts operating on the river have been converted to pure electric power. The Lijiang River and Lingqu Canal have both selected among national exemplary cases of beautiful rivers and lakes, and Guilin's conservation efforts have been commended by the State Council.