A replica of the ancient phoenix crown of Empress Xiao from the reign of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty ( 581-618). (Photo/Song Ning)

The Yangzhou China Grand Canal Museum that opened on June 16 aims to attract 1.5 million visitors in three years and become a famous tourist destination and a new landmark in the cultural belt themed on the canal, according to Gong Liang, director of the Nanjing Museum that runs the new facility.

Prior to its opening, the museum had been shortlisted by the National Cultural Heritage Administration as one of the country's 15 world-class museums. Gong said the new museum provides a unique cultural experience, a key objective of many tourists.

With 13 exhibition halls, the public museum is like an encyclopedia to help understand the history and culture of the canal, such as the historical changes, hydraulic technology, governance, intangible cultural heritage items and people’s life.

Epic Scroll of China's Grand Canal (Photo/Shao Dan)

The exhibits include a 100-meter-long scroll highlighting the canal’s epic history, social customs and natural landscapes in four seasons. There are also cultural relics and replicas to reflect the vibrant street life in the ancient times.

The opening of the new museum also increases the charm of the broader area that includes the Sanwan wetland park, and two other parks of intangible cultural and industrial heritage in the east and north. There will also be a jetty close to the museum so visitors can take a boat ride to the Dongguan Street historic block and then make the way to the Slender West Lake scenic area.