World Cultural and Art District & Grand Canal Century Cultural Gallery Announces Grand Opening on February 7 Go back »

2026-01-28 | Beijing, Tianjin

Tianjin, China – In a remarkable fusion of historical preservation and cultural innovation, the Grand Canal Century Cultural Gallery is set to open its doors on February 7, 2026, at the Creativo complex in Wuqing District, Tianjin. This immersive gallery promises to transport visitors back a century, vividly recreating the humanistic landscapes along the iconic Grand Canal through a blend of rare historical imagery and digital interactive exhibits.

The gallery’s narrative is centered around a priceless collection of 3,000 photographs taken in 1932 by French priest and documentary photographer Joseph de Reviers de Mauny. These images serve as a window into the "golden age" of the Canal, capturing urban and rural vistas, folk customs, and traditional crafts of the era. The exhibition is structured into three core sections: "Millennium-Old Grand Canal," tracing its evolution from the Spring and Autumn Period to its UNESCO World Heritage status; "The Grand Canal Through Joseph's Lens," displaying the historic photographs; and "Centennial Imprints," which reflects on history and peace through stories, maps, and a dedicated contemplation space.

This opening is the latest milestone in Tianjin’s dedicated efforts to protect and revitalize the Grand Canal’s cultural heritage. Under the guidance of the Tianjin Municipal Government, Wuqing District has meticulously implemented plans and established special protection funds, aiming to transform the waterway into a "Brilliant Cultural Belt, Green Ecological Belt, and Colorful Tourism Belt." The gallery stands as a testament to this vision, activating the Canal’s historical value for contemporary audiences.

As a flagship platform for cultural exchange, Creativo will also showcase a diverse range of complementary attractions, including the Baoshan Collection of over 1,000 rare Chinese artifacts, international photography and European crystal art displays, creative art spaces, and intangible cultural heritage exhibits from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

For inquiries regarding an exclusive visit application or cooperation opportunities, please contact:

Email: haojing@waitex.asia
Phone: +86 13426357956

For general inquiries, please call: 18649166528 / 022-58578700 (Service Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM).

Source: Benchmark