The latest virtual gallery is available at:

http://audio.taoart.com/fullview/zgdyh/11/。

The Boats on the Canal exhibition is a multimedia interactive exhibition that explores the theme of boat transportation along the Grand Canal of China. This exhibition chronicles the historical development of boats on the Grand Canal, showcases various boat types, and shares related knowledge and stories through a blend of physical and virtual multimedia experiences. By highlighting the cultural fusion between northern and southern China facilitated by these boats, the exhibition captures the essence of life along the Grand Canal in both ancient and contemporary times. This gallery stands out as a unique and engaging addition to the CGCM’s exhibition offerings.

The gallery primarily consists of two areas. The first area features an array of hundreds of model sailing ships that have traversed the canal, illustrating the evolution of canal vessels, showcasing various boat types, and depicting boats as seen in ancient artworks. Utilizing ship models and interactive multimedia displays, visitors are immersed in a comprehensive understanding of the ships that navigated the Grand Canal, aiming to convey the improvements in quality of life brought about by these vessels. The second area showcases a restored 20-meter-long Shafei craft from the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (1661–1722) within a nearly 11-meter-high space. This exhibit integrates physical and virtual multimedia elements to offer a journey through time along the Grand Canal, from ancient eras to the present day. Visitors can even enter the cabin to explore and interact with this historical vessel.

The exhibition space is meticulously organized, featuring a diverse array of intriguing visiting routes. The experience methods offered are both unique and varied, while the designs throughout the exhibition effectively convey the theme at different levels. The gallery blends modern museum displays with immersive ancient settings. Through a well-designed visiting approach, it maximizes the spatial height features to offer a distinctive perspective, overcoming visitors’ visual constraints and delivering a rich exhibition experience.

Introductory gallery

As visitors enter the gallery, the introductory text displayed on a specially designed scrim comes into view. The thematic relief design is inspired by the junction of the Grand Canal and the Yangtze River as depicted in the sixth volume of The Kangxi Emperor's Southern Inspection Tour. The artwork portrays Guazhou, an ancient canal town in Yangzhou City, Jinshan in Zhenjiang City, and other scenes. Boats from southern and northern China, as well as from different parts of the world, converge at this point, recreating the majestic sight of countless sails gathering on the ancient canal.

Part I Hundreds of Boats on the Canal – Ship Model Display

The exhibition showcases nearly a hundred types of boats spanning from ancient times to the present, organized into three thematic units: “Navigating Through Wind and Waves”, “Hundreds of Boats Splashing Forward”, and “Picturesque Scenes on Canal Banks”. It progressively narrates the evolution of ancient boats, their diverse functional roles, and the convenience that boats bring to life. The presentation, incorporating images, text, ship models, touch screens, and AR interactions, provides visitors with a comprehensive and engaging experience, along with a wealth of information.

Hundreds of boats on the canal

Interactive touch screen

Part II Shafei Craft Physical and Virtual Multimedia Experience

Shafei craft experience

Interior of the Shafei craft

Boarding the restored large Shafei craft, visitors can explore the internal structure of its cabin or stand on the deck to watch a 360° panoramic video of the ancient canal. During the entire experience, the space transitions from narrow to wide and the scenery shifts from real to virtual, providing the audience with an immersive and surprising journey.

Panorama of the Shafei craft

360° panoramic video

Power experience area

Through projection playback and interactive experience, the “oars” of boats on the canal are showcased, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in the operation of various boat types.

Exit gallery

The construction process of the gallery and its internal facilities was captured in a documentary and played back in the exit gallery. This documentary communicates the cultural significance of boats and highlights their role in preserving and passing on canal culture. The construction drawings of a Shafei craft depicted on the wall allow the audience to experience the allure of intangible cultural heritage.

Gallery interior