In the heart of Jiangsu Province, where ancient canals whisper tales of dynasties past, Suzhou emerges as a living canvas blending heritage with cutting-edge innovation. CGTN's Merna Al Nasser explores three cultural landmarks reshaping this UNESCO-listed city's narrative ahead of APEC 2025's 'Connect, Innovate, Prosper' vision.
Threads of History, Patterns of Progress
At the Song Brocade Cultural Park, master weavers demonstrate techniques unchanged since the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), their looms producing silk patterns now gracing APEC leaders' attire. 'What was once imperial tribute now fuels cross-border cultural dialogue,' explains curator Li Wei, unspooling a bolt of fabric destined for an international design collaboration.
Digital Guardians of Tradition
The Suzhou Bay Museum's holographic recreation of 14th-century merchant voyages reveals how the city's maritime legacy informs modern trade routes. Interactive displays track how Ming-era compass designs evolved into today's logistics tracking systems – a favorite among visiting tech entrepreneurs.
Where Confucius Meets Coding
The Six Arts Museum reimagines ancient Chinese scholarly disciplines through augmented reality. Visitors practice digital calligraphy alongside AI-generated poetry, embodying what education director Zhang Mei calls 'the APEC spirit: honoring roots while reaching across borders.'
As night falls on the Grand Canal, projection-mapped pagodas illuminate Suzhou's dual role: preserving 2,500 years of history while scripting Asia's next chapter of cultural-economic exchange.
