Final answer:
The oldest and longest canal in the world is the Grand Canal, extending over 1,100 miles from Beijing to Hangzhou, surpassing other notable canals like the Erie, Suez, and Panama Canals in both age and length.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oldest and longest canal in the world is the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal was begun in the fifth century BCE and is still used today, extending over 1,100 miles from Beijing to Hangzhou. It is not only the world's longest but also an extremely significant canal, historically connecting several of China's major rivers and facilitating the movement of goods, particularly from the south's rich agricultural regions to the bustling cities of the north during the Qing era. In contrast, the Erie Canal, Suez Canal, and Panama Canal were significant in their respective regions and times; however, they do not surpass the Grand Canal in both age and length. Hence, the correct answer to the question is A) Grand Canal.