Preparations for the opening ceremony of the second Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo are entering the final stage in the Qingming Bridge scenic area, Wuxi, Sept 2. [Photo/wxrb.com]

Preparations for the opening ceremony of the second Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo are entering the final stage, according to its general director, Li Chaorun.

Featuring a combination of highly recognizable oriental music, culture along the Grand Canal, local elements, light shows and drone dances, the opening show is expected to convey the beauty and poetry of the section of the Grand Canal in Wuxi.

It is the second time Li has directed the opening ceremony. He said that the Grand Canal has played an inestimable role in promoting the development of Chinese society, economy and culture, and is worth protection, inheritance and utilization.

The stage built on the bank of the Grand Canal will make Qingming Bridge scenic area part of the performance. The LED ground screen and moveable screens will make the performance more stereoscopic.

During the performance, over 800 drones will form images of jasmine flowers, colorful butterflies, red lanterns, Qingming Bridge and the Grand Canal above the main stage.

The song in Wuxi dialect, Wu Xi Jing (Wuxi View), will be performed to showcase the special cultural charm of the city. Local elements such as Huishan clay figurines and the most popular erhu song Erquan Yingyue (The Moon Reflected on Er-quan Spring), will also be included.

"We will work to give the audience a feast for their eyes and ears while enjoying the beauty and culture of the time-honored Grand Canal," Li said.