BeijingThe Pinglu Canal cuts a 560km detour.
It gives landlocked southwestern provinces a direct route to Southeast Asian markets.
Guangxi authorities say the 134km waterway cuts logistics costs 18 to 30 percent, saving about $700m yearly.
China will charge vessels by the tonne after free transit ends December 31.
How each outlet framed it
drawn from 80+ reports worldwide
- Al Jazeera Online
- positions canal as Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure extending western China's access to Southeast Asian markets
Sources: Al Jazeera Online