Local governments along the canal are coming up with all sorts of measures to protect this cultural gem. [Photo/Xinhua]

But, as a cultural link connecting different parts of China, and China to world, the importance of the Grand Canal remains.

Meanwhile, local governments along the canal are devising measures to protect this cultural gem.

A Grand Canal protection regulation was enacted in Hangzhou in May, and in the city of Yangzhou technologies such as remote sensing and big data are being used to protect the canal.

Beijing is also working on a blueprint for the protection of the Grand Canal cultural belt.

In the art and crafts museum under Gongchen Bridge, ancient craftsmanship such as paper umbrellas, silk fans and paper cutting are demonstrated.

Paper cutting master Fang Jianguo has a workshop in the museum, and the work he is most proud of is based on the G20 Hangzhou summit, a piece he spent two months on.

Separately, during the past six years, Shaw has introduced jade artists from different countries to the annual jade carving exhibitions in Suzhou.

Last year, Shaw taught two French apprentices at his workshop.

"Communication and exchange are key to keeping culture alive and evolving," he says.