An ink and wash painting of scenery along the Nantong-Yangzhou Canal [Photo/ntfabu.com]

A painting and photography exhibition opened on Dec 6 at the Nantong Central Art Museum in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. It will run until Dec 15.

A total of 44 paintings and 40 photos featuring the Nantong-Yangzhou Canal created by 36 artists over the past month are currently on display. They depict the natural scenery and culture along the canal from a variety of perspectives.

The current Nantong-Yangzhou Canal was originally built as a stream for transporting salt during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24). It was extended all the way to Nantong during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

The Nantong section of the canal runs through Gangzha district, Hai’an city, and Rugao city. It connects these regions with the Yangtze River, Huaihe River, Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea.

Many well-preserved historical sites, including ancient towns, gardens, temples, and hydraulic facilities, sit along the canal.