The 3rd Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo was held from September 22 to 25 in Suzhou. With the theme of “Integration, Innovation and Sharing”, the expo showcased six activities including the night tour of Suzhou, the opening ceremony, theme performances, exhibitions and shows, theme forums and interactive exchanges.
More than 60 foreign diplomatic envoys, representatives of overseas offices in China and foreign friends from several countries, such as Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, attended the event, sharing the distinctive cultural heritage of the Grand Canal.
At the opening ceremony, international friends from sister cities and friendly exchange cities of Suzhou expressed by video clips their best wishes for the expo and their love for water.
Known as the “Venice of the Orient” for the abundant waterways, Suzhou has gained its prosperity and beauty from the Grand Canal, which runs through the city from north to south. Recently, Suzhou has started the construction of the “Ten Scenic Spots along the Grand Canal” by integrating ancient city protection, cultural and tourism promotion, and the brand building of the culture in the Yangtze River Delta, with the aim of creating the “most brilliant section” of the Grand Canal Cultural Belt.
