December 24th (AMSP/CGTN) – – Gongchen Bridge is the longest stone arch bridge in Hangzhou, marking the southern end of the Grand Canal. A special exhibition in the city is shining a deeper light on this iconic structure.
A photographer focuses on the bridge, using drones to capture over 1,000 images from both sides, before these are reconstructed into one cohesive whole at a remarkable 1.5-billion-pixel resolution.
“This artwork consists of over a thousand photos combined. The final size represents one-tenth of Gongchen Bridge. It pays tribute to the 10th anniversary of the Grand Canal’s UNESCO World Heritage designation. Here, we can examine the bridge up close from new angles,” Photographer Ma Chongyan said.
Photographer Ma Chongyan, a post-90s artist who lives by the canal, is now focusing more on shooting videos to promote the city’s canal culture. So far, he has produced the largest collection of high-definition images of Gongchen Bridge.
“The 10th anniversary of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal’s UNESCO World Heritage designation has inspired local residents and young artists to engage in more creative and meaningful works that showcase the canal and its history,” he revealed.
From Gongchen Bridge to Fuyi Warehouse, this venue was used to store food to be transported to the North. Located by the Grand Canal, it is the one of the culture heritage sites in China.
“Our booth resembles a flowing ribbon, designed to preserve the overall space while allowing our culture to flow continuously like the Grand Canal,” said Yu Yilu, Interpreter at Fuyi Warehouse.
All 11 heritage sites along the Grand Canal World Heritage section in Hangzhou are implementing preservation and sustainable development strategies, ensuring the continued transmission of canal culture.
“When visitors come to the canal, or enter the city park, their experience goes beyond simply enjoying the green space. They can also feel the spot they happen upon has historical and cultural importance,” said Fang Youqiang
Head of the Comprehensive Protection Center of the Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section).
The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
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CGTN