(Photo/Song Ning)

Jiangsu Province boasts most cities along the Grand Canal, richest heritage and most sites recognized as the UNESCO cultural heritage. In recent years, the province also saw the birth of nearly 300 works themed on the vast waterway system, which take diverse forms including stage performance, radio and film programs, literature and music.

The creations include a scroll of 135 meters long and 3 meters high to highlight the 2,500-year-old canal’s iconic landmarks including Yaowan ancient town, Zhenguo Temple in Gaoyou City and Qingming Bridge in Wuxi City.

Jiangsu Phoenix Science and Technology Publishing House also released the China Canal Journal that has 9 volumes and 11 books with over 14 million Chinese words, the first of its kind in the country. This provides a comprehensive account of China's canals, covering the river changes, water conservancy projects, key towns, social customs and culture and important figures in history.

Another centerpiece in the productions is a dance drama River, created by Suzhou Singing and Dancing Theater, in the narrative mode of stream of consciousness. With a great setting and beautiful music, the show tells a story about women and their life on boats.