An exhibition showcasing the history and culture of water transportation in the Yangtze River Delta region opened at the China Maritime Museum on Nov 12.

Co-hosted by 12 museums and cultural institutions, the exhibition has gathered over 200 precious artifacts, presenting a comprehensive view of shipping-related content in four sections: boats and ships, ports and harbors, commerce and trade, and families and abodes.

Since the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279), the Yangtze River Delta region has developed a dense network of waterways and efficient shipping routes. Over time, this has created a transportation system that allows goods and people to move smoothly, contributing to the region's integrated development today.

The new exhibit highlights how key ports like Mingzhou Port (now known as Ningbo Port) in the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368), Liujia Port (Taicang Port today) in the Yuan and Ming dynasties (1271-1644), and the modern Shanghai Port have served as vital nodes for economic and cultural exchanges between China and the world.

Moreover, the exhibit explores how the region's natural environment, rich in water resources, has nurtured a long-standing shipping culture, marked by the boats and water networks symbolic of Jiangnan culture.

The exhibition will also feature academic lectures and educational activities focused on the unique charm of transportation and shipping culture.

The exhibition will run until Feb 18, 2025.

Source: WeChat account of China Maritime Museum at "hanghaibowuguan"