Ancient canal tourism project makes substantial progress

The Xigangbang (literally Wuxi steel river) Tourist Distribution Center will be built in Liangxi district, Wuxi this year as part of the 30-billion-yuan ($4.37 billion) Huaqiaocheng Ancient Canal tourism and cultural project.

The signing for the tourist distribution center took place on June 18. The center is expected to become a carrier for tourism services featuring music, art, high-tech, entertainment, cultural creation, history, and other elements.

According to the plan, the center will be located at the former site of Jiangsu Wuxi Steel Group Co Ltd so as to take full advantage of the idle factories, which have a total building area of about 3,800 squares meters.

The main steel structure of the old factories will be retained, and designers will add some visual flourishes by combining a vintage industrial feel with modern aesthetics.

Specifically, there will be a stage in the middle of the two old factories. Normally it is a venue for water-related activities, but there is a hidden stage and auditorium for large-scale cultural performances and exhibitions that can rise from the water, according to Liang Hao, general manager of Wuxi Huaqiaocheng Real Industrial Development Co Ltd.

The project is a crucial part of the 12.8-square-kilometer Jiangnan Ancient Canal Tourism Resort, the only provincial tourism resort of its kind to be set up in an urban area in Jiangsu.

"The project will add more cultural facilities and public activity spaces to the Qingming Bridge scenic area, and will itself become a gathering place for regional cultural activities,"said Cai Hongmei, chairman of Jiangsu Ancient Canal Investment Development Co Ltd.

The company revealed that in the future they will cooperate with the Huaqiaocheng Ancient Canal tourism and cultural project to create a Chinese canal cultural tourism and leisure demonstration zone that integrates vacation, leisure, sightseeing, festivities, art, quality living and other functions. It is designed to encompass a tourist distribution center, a water park, high-end and characteristics hotels, and an arts and cultural block.

According to a local official, construction of the Jiangnan Ancient Canal Tourist Resort is proceeding well. Alongside the Qingming Water Lane section, there is the Jieguan (Official Reception) Pavilion Lane historical and cultural block, which will give visitors the chance to experience traditional customs, culture, and fashion.

In addition, Xiaolou Lane is set to open on June 28. It will integrate Jiangnan residential complexes with elements of tourism, leisure, culture, training and exhibition.