More travelers are now drawn to cities because of their museums. They are cultural landmarks for a region. So how is Hangzhou making the most of this? Find the answer from the Grand Canal Museum Alliance (aka. the “Canal Museums Cluster”) launched at the China Grand Canal Museum on November 3.

The alliance brings together 26 museums and cultural venues, including Zhejiang Exhibition Hall, Hangzhou Arts & Crafts Museum (for Knives, Swards, Scissors, Fans, and Umbrellas), the Grand Canal Museum, Xiling Museum, and Zhejiang Publication’s gallery, the Crafts Heritage Museum, Wang Xingji Fans Museum, and Urban Development Exhibition, etc. 

The Alliance’s Charter was voted and agreed at the launch, and a joint declaration outlining their shared goals was also issued. 

“The alliance breaks down barriers. It’s about bringing museums out into the city and into people’s lives,” said Huang Hui, Deputy Chief of Museum and Cultural Relics from the province’s Cultural Heritage Administration. “We’re excited to see museums step beyond their walls and truly connect with the public.”

Jin Chengwu, CPC Secretary of Gongshu District Culture, Radio, TV, Tourism, and Sports Bureau, emphasized that every museum in the alliance has something unique to offer. “Every museum, big or small, brings its own value. Through this platform, each will have a turn to lead, to host meetings, and to help shape our future activities,” Jin said. “Together, we’ll go further in cultural promotion with more experts and make the alliance a standout destination.”

Yang Yujia, Curator of the Grand Canal Museum, shared his collaboration plans. “We’re designing a one-day extracurricular tour along the Qiaoxi area, linking several museums for a terrific study experience,” Yang said. “We’ll also exchange exhibitions and cross-sell cultural products. Bigger museums will support smaller ones - we’re all in this together to make the Grand Canal area vibrant.”

The alliance will launch a photo exhibition tour next year, titled “Traces of Caoyun: Memories of the Canal Heritage in Zhejiang.” It features 30 pictures documenting the points all with tangible and intangible cultural heritage along the Grand Canal in Zhejiang province.