Capitalizing on this increased traffic, a giant economic free zone is taking shape along the canal, attracting manufacturers and suppliers from all over the world.
It is believed that around 12000 to 15000caravanserais were built along the Silk Road, although only about 3000 are known to remain today, many of which are in ruins.
Bringing them in meant that large parts had to fit under the various bridges of the River Thames, so this had to be timed to coincide with tides along its length.