Traveling through history and heritage in Yangzhou

Yangzhou, an ancient city located in East China's Jiangsu province, is steeped in history and tradition. For a deeper immersion into its storied past, a visit to the city's cultural institutions is highly recommended.

China Grand Canal Museum

In the heart of Yangzhou, a city deeply intertwined with the Grand Canal's rich history, lies the China Grand Canal Museum.

Serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of this ancient waterway, the museum stands as a hub for the collection, display, research, and education surrounding the canal's cultural artifacts.

Housing over 10,000 pieces of relics ranging from ancient books, calligraphic works, paintings, and inscriptions to ceramics, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the Grand Canal's evolution from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) to the modern era.

China Grand Canal Museum in Yangzhou. [Photo/yznews.cn]

Mausoleum Park of Sui Emperor Yang Guang

Venturing further into Yangzhou's cultural landscape, the Mausoleum Park of Sui Emperor Yang Guang stands as a poignant reminder of the city's imperial past.

Following a meticulous archaeological excavation in 2013, the park showcases the final resting place of Yang Guang, the last emperor of the Sui Dynasty (581-618), alongside his wife, Empress Xiao.

Moreover, this revamped site also houses a museum brimming with treasures unearthed at the burial sites. Through these artifacts, visitors are granted a tantalizing peek into the opulent lives led by these ancient rulers, illuminating a bygone era of grandeur and majesty.

Mausoleum Park of Sui Emperor Yang Guang in Yangzhou. [Photo/yznews.cn]

Yangzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Treasure Museum

For enthusiasts of exquisite handicrafts, the Yangzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum presents a treasure trove of artistic marvels.

Combining the finest collections from various museums, including lacquerware, jade carvings, printing, and paper-cuttings, the museum encapsulates the essence of Yangzhou's artisanal traditions.

Beyond being a mere exhibition space, the museum also serves as a cultural hub, offering visitors a multifaceted experience that extends into realms of leisure, tourism, and shopping.

Exhibition at Yangzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Treasure Museum. [Photo/yznews.cn]