Foreign Internet Influencers Thumb up for the City of Canal

Located along the Grand Canal, Huai'an connects the north and the south and has recorded the Canal's history for centuries. On August 3, foreign Internet influencers and central-level media reporters set off a journey from Huai'an Water Interchange Junction along the Grand Canal, marking the launch of "Daka China 2022 - Exploring Magnificent Landmarks in Jiangsu" and "Experiencing Culture Along Huaiyang Canal" Online International Communication Events. They are going to know the stories of the city of canal.

On the first leg of the journey, foreign Internet influencers visited the Huai'an Water Interchange Junction, the biggest of its kind in Asia, which was built at the intersection of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Huai River. When influencers came here, they saw boats shuttling on the waves, the banks full of greens, and the gigantic steel cable bridge at the bridgehead adding modern engineering sense to the ancient canal culture of Huai'an.

Rafael Antonio Saavedra Molina from Venezuela shoots a video. [Photo by Liu Zhijun]

Foreign Internet influencers' group photo [Photo by Tang Wei]

While enjoying a magnificent view, Celia Judith del Rosario Esquivel Salguero, a vlogger from Guatemala, said that "I noticed a lot of ships full of cargo passing through. This is the first time I've seen such a view. It's really spectacular."

With curiosity and awe of the thousand-year canal culture, the influencers went to the China Water Transport Museum to learn more about the history of the Huai'an Canal.

Foreign Internet influencers try to play a percussion instrument. [Photo by Liu Zhijun]

Water transport is a professional transportation mode used by ancient China's authorities to convey grains and other commodities. By combining modern high technologies with cultural relics and historical materials, the China Water Transport Museum fully demonstrates the splendid history and culture of water transportation in China.

Foreign Internet influencers take a group picture in front of the China Water Transport Museum. [Photo by Liu Zhijun]

Hexia Ancient Town, whose history can be dated back to about 2500 years ago, is a place where  large numbers of talented people have come to the fore since ancient times. At present, about 1000 original households still live here and enjoy their cozy lives.

Foreign Internet influencers learn to make soup dumplings. [Photo by Tang Wei]

Foreign Internet influencers had a tour of the ancient town and explored its history and culture by visiting a batch of cultural relics under the protection and enterprises with century-old brands.

"It's just like what I have seen in films. Ancient buildings are very beautiful and have been well preserved with their ancient styles. I am so excited that I can enjoy such unique landscapes when walking along the street," Tamar Kvlividze said.

After visiting the bustling ancient town in the daytime, foreign Internet influencers started a night cruise tour on the canal and felt the night Huaian, which is full of vitality.

The influencers went on board at the Qingjiangpu Gate, the starting point of the Li Canal Cultural Corridor. While sailing downstream, they viewed historical relics including Qingjiangpu Tower and Ciyun Temple, feeling the historical sense and beauty of landscapes.

Foreign Internet influencers enjoy the night cruise tour on the canal. [Photo by Yang Hongze]

"Sceneries along the banks are pleasant. People are singing and dancing. They are so happy," said Younus Ghazali, a vlogger from Pakistan. "If you're going to visit Huaian, you cannot miss the night cruise tour on the Li Canal. It's very interesting!"