A visit to Suzhou’s Kunqu Opera Museum was on the itinerary for journalists attending the "Walk along the canal and watch the Youth Olympic Games" activity on August 15.

Suzhou’s section is an important part of the Grand Canal and the Kunqu Opera Museum is located in Shanxi Hall in the Pingjiang historic district.

Shanxi Hall was built with funds raised by Shanxi businessmen who once traveled in Suzhou during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736- 1795). It has a beautiful engraved ancient stage. The museum began opening to the public in 2003.

Kunqu is part of intangible cultural heritage. It is famous for graceful melody and elegant words. The museum is an important place to protect and develop Chinese Kunqu.