Meet Yangzhou, where the Grand Canal begins

The burial site of Sui Emperor Yang Guang. [Photo by Yang Xiaoyu/chinadaily.com.cn]

In 2013, archeologists confirmed that two humble tombs found in Yangzhou's Hanjiang district belonged to Sui emperor Yang Guang and his queen.

A park featuring a museum was built on the burial site of the emperor and opened this March. Visitors can delve into the mystery surrounding the excavation and verification of the emperor's mausoleum. They can also learn about Yang's long-lasting ties with Yangzhou, known as Jiangdu during the Sui Dynasty.

"When Yang Guang was a prince, he was designated to govern Jiangdu for up to 10 years. That's why he had a deep bond with Yangzhou," said Gu Feng, a former head of the Yangzhou Cultural Heritage Bureau. "That Yangzhou enjoyed a high political status in ancient China was largely associated with Emperor Yang Guang as he paid grand visits to Yangzhou after he ascended to the throne."