Grand Canal flows through downtown Wuxi. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
As the third Grand Canal Cultural Development Forum opened in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, on July 9, the canal city showcased its transformation of the ancient waterway into a vibrant urban asset.
Wuxi's 40-kilometer stretch of canal has seen dramatic improvements in water quality as a result of rigorous pollution controls. A 26.75-km waterfront pathway now links 22 heritage sites, while the "audible and readable" cultural space along the 8.5-km ancient canal in its Liangxi district offers interactive experiences for residents and tourists alike.
Wuxi has repurposed over 100 historic buildings under its "100 Mansions, 100 Courtyards" project — turning ancestral halls into concert venues and Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) workshops into children's exploration spaces. Nighttime holographic boat tours and former industrial sites transformed into trendy commercial complexes have made the canal a popular destination.
Both residents and tourists enjoy themselves along the Grand Canal in Wuxi. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
The city's innovative "Industry Partner Plan" recruits operators for waterfront properties, with revenues supporting heritage maintenance. This cultural-economic synergy has placed 12 Wuxi sites on Jiangsu's top 100 Grand Canal scenes list.
Local officials emphasize balancing preservation with innovation, integrating cultural heritage with urban renewal and industrial growth. The ongoing forum aims to demonstrate how this ancient waterway can continue driving sustainable development for generations.
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