"In the early days, the canal was mainly for irrigation and military purposes. Later, it became a famous rice market dock and a center for grain distribution. By the late Qing Dynasty, it had become a major hub for industrial and commercial development," Yang says.

After the Grand Canal was successfully inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, turning the ancient waterway into a global tourist destination became Wuxi's next goal.

Yang says Wuxi's residents have a strong emotional connection to the canal because it's an integral part of the city's history. In terms of preservation, both citizens and the government have taken proactive steps. The canal has been designated as a protected area, he adds.

Years ago, he showed Italian experts around Wuxi's ancient Grand Canal. They were moved when they saw elderly people calmly making slippers on their doorsteps, calling it "true culture".

Over the years, the district has preserved and renovated relics and architecture. By adding functional elements that meet both preservation requirements and development needs, it has brought life back to these heritage sites and spurred development in the surrounding areas. And the water quality of the canal has significantly improved, thanks to government efforts, and authorities continue to monitor it.