Authorities in Gongshu district, Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province have started renovations and upgrades on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Museum in May to further showcase Grand Canal culture during the 19th Asian Games. 

The project primarily involves enhancing the museum's exterior and internal exhibition displays. The renovations are nearly complete, and a trial run is planned for mid-Sept.

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Museum in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

In addition, the museum is using world-class display cabinets and lighting to authentically reproduce the colors and textures of the artifacts, ensuring better presentation and a more immersive visual experience for visitors.

The exhibition features over 600 items from the museum's collection, including many items being displayed for the first time, offering a diverse portrayal of the Grand Canal's history spanning millennia.

The newly-added special exhibitions and digital experience areas include an overview of cultural heritage, the protection and utilization plan for the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal, and the comprehensive conservation achievements in Hangzhou before and after the Grand Canal's World Heritage inscription.

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Museum boasts an exhibition area of over 5,000 square meters. It officially opened on Oct 1, 2006 and is one of the first museums in the country dedicated to systematically introducing and displaying the history and culture of the Grand Canal.