Date: Permanent from September 1, 2025

Stroll along the Grand Canal, and you will uncover countless surprises if you keep your eyes open. In the shimmering waves, damselflies skim the water with their gossamer wings, creating ripples that dance across the surface. Butterflies flutter gracefully among the blooming wildflowers on the banks, with their vibrant wings casting a soft glow in the sunlight. As the sun sets, beetles with shiny shells fly low, tracing delicate silver lines through the evening sky. These small creatures, each in their own way, contribute to the rhythm of life along the canal, weaving together a tapestry where nature and human culture are beautifully intertwined.

As part of the “Set Out from the Canal” exhibition, the China Grand Canal Museum has collected various natural specimens to showcase the ecological beauty along the Grand Canal. Between 2022 and 2024, we managed to gather a total of 315 insect specimens. The exhibition is divided into four sections: “Glimpse of Insects”, “Secrets of Butterflies and Moths”, “The World of Beetles”, and “Listening to Insects Sing”. Each section highlights the unique charm and survival wisdom of these creatures, inviting you to appreciate the delicate balance and resilience of life within the canal’s ecosystem.