Photo taken on July 15 shows a night view of the Wuxi section of the Grand Canal. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxifabu2013]
Wuxi, the only city that the Grand Canal passes through its downtown, will be the main venue for the second Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo from Sept 3 to 6.
The event, sponsored by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, will consist of a series of activities revealing the profound historical legacies of the oldest canal in the world.
According to officials, an exhibition of travel routes, local specialties, and cultural products themed around the Grand Canal will be held at the Wuxi Taihu International Expo Center.
An online exhibition will also be held in light of the COVID-19 epidemic, focusing on the history and beautiful views of the Wuxi section of the canal.
Experts and scholars specializing in the Grand Canal will also be invited to summits to discuss how to better promote tourism along the ancient canal and increase its economic potential.
Cultural heritage items along the Grand Canal will mainly be displayed in Huai'an, Jiangsu province during the event.
The Grand Canal is a vast waterway system in China, running from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in the south. It stretches for nearly 3,200 kilometers and passes through eight provinces and municipalities.
Wuxi has been working to develop the environment, culture, and tourism along the waterway for years. The Wuxi section of the Grand Canal is the first recorded section of the Jiangnan Canal, which is known as the city's mother river.