Wuxi introduces water buses on Grand Canal

People will be able to take water bus tours through the Wuxi section of the Grand Canal for free until the end of July, according to the Qingming Bridge Scenic Area.

A total of 28 water buses run from 7:30 am to 18:00 pm every day since July 1, passing through Nanchan Temple, Yeqin Garden, Beicangmen, Wuxi Railway Station, Grand Canal Park, Wuai Community, Xishuiguan Bridge and Taosha Lane.

The one-hour water tour, which circles the whole city, perfectly embodies the beauty of the city. Wuxi was once famed as the "Venice of the East" for its concentrated river network in the area encircled by its moat.

The Grand Canal was built 1,400 years ago and serves as a main form of transport though the city. More than 100 small canals have developed out of the main canal over the past 1,000 years.

Residents of Wuxi may change their perspective on the city after taking a canal tour. Officials have said that the water bus is expected to become a new means of transport for people in Wuxi.