Wuxi boasts a wealth of intangible cultural heritage, such as Huishan clay figurines and Wuxi embroidery.

The Zhu Dachun residence stands out as the best-preserved Qing Dynasty celebrity homes along the canal in the Qingmingqiao area.

"This home combines our cultural heritage with the Jiangnan traditional music performances along the canal, making it not just a venue for local enthusiasts but also a tourist hot spot," Yang explains.

He hopes to see the emergence of more distinctive venues, such as unique restaurants and cozy guest-houses. "This way, visitors to Wuxi can not only enjoy boat rides along the ancient Grand Canal but also sit back, relax and appreciate its beauty," he says.

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn