The "One Canal – Linking Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Ningbo" event is held in Hangzhou on June 22. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The "One Canal – Linking Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Ningbo" event on June 22 marked the fifth anniversary of the China Grand Canal Hangzhou-Ningbo Dialogue and launched a new chapter in the coordinated development of the Zhedong Canal Cultural Belt.

Held in Hangzhou, the event celebrated the second decade since the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site 11 years ago.

Souvenirs celebrating the time-honored history and culture of the Zhedong Canal. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Guided by the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Heritage Bureau and jointly hosted by cultural departments from Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Ningbo, the initiative featured multimedia livestreams, collectible cultural cards, and themed study tours aimed at highlighting the region's canal heritage.

More than 10,000 participants joined an interactive online campaign collecting digital culture-themed cards, while livestreams explored historical landmarks and cultural restoration stories across the three cities. On-site, the debut of the tangible Zhedong Canal Culture Card and engaging youth dialogues brought history to life.

A collaborative declaration on cultural heritage protection and the launch of a Zhedong Canal Study Alliance emphasized shared governance and cultural tourism innovation. Organizers aim to turn the ancient waterway into a modern symbol of regional cooperation — where "a thousand miles still rely on its flowing waves".