Water towns in China’s Jiangnan area (the south of the Yangtze River region) are steeped in poetic charm in the eyes of the Chinese people. As one of the earliest evacuated sections of the Grand Canal in history, the Jiangnan canals have been seamlessly merged with the waters of Taihu Lake, shaping the cultural heritage of the local communities in unison. Divided into four parts, this exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives and traditions of fisherfolk who have inhabited the Taihu Lake waters and Jiangnan canals since the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1912). Visitors can experience the vibrant work routines, daily life scenes, and customs and beliefs of these fishermen through the display of cultural artifacts and historical materials. Furthermore, the exhibition delves into the emotional world of intellectuals and their life philosophies, as reflected in the craftsmanship and furnishings featuring traditional themes like the “Joy of Fishermen”. The artifacts and aged photographs handed down through generations vividly recount the tales of the diligence and wisdom among ancient fishermen, inspiring us to reflect on the present and yearn for a brighter future.