Songjiang, now a district of Shanghai on its southwester outskirts, was a prosperous grain collection and distribution center centuries back and a notable port, from where commodities were transported to the imperial capital and also, other parts of the country linked by the Grand Canal, a vast waterway of great importance.

The riverside view and diverse culture gave Songjiang other names, such as yunjian (in the clouds) and gushui (grains and water).

The Grand Canal, an exhibition now in Songjiang, takes people back to the glorious days of Songjiang as a strategic port along the waterways. Objects on show unveil the lively scenes of a day in old Songjiang and its people in different professions.

Lectures and cultural heritage workshops are held during the exhibition.