Daytime cruise along the Grand Canal in Wuxi. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

Wuxi's Grand Canal sightseeing route has been named one of China's exemplary water tourism passenger routes for 2025, the only entry from Jiangsu province, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Transport on Aug 27.

The route covers a UNESCO-listed section of the canal and offers two distinct cruise experiences. The daytime "Jiangnan Water Alley" tour runs 5.2 kilometers in about 50 minutes, combining onboard sightseeing with shore visits to the Qingming Bridge historical and cultural block, where traditional white‑walled houses and arched stone bridges define the classic canal scenery.

Nighttime cruise along the Grand Canal in Wuxi. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

The "Liangxiao Tonight" cruise is an immersive light‑and‑sound experience using fully transparent vessels and digital projection technology. The 8.5‑km loop takes 90 min and weaves a narrative of local history through holographic curtains, building projections and AR effects.

The night tour features a "digital sea of stars" made of 428,800 optical fibers, a Guinness World Records title, alongside a kilometer‑long interactive lighting array. On‑board 5G‑powered AR guides and VR devices enhance the journey, while an integrated smart management system handles bookings, navigation and real‑time safety monitoring.

Digital projections and interactive lighting are integrated throughout the Grand Canal cruise experience in Wuxi. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

Environmentally, clean energy vessels now make up over 95 percent of the fleet, reducing noise and energy use. AI‑based driver and vessel monitoring, along with regular drills, reinforce safety standards.

Beyond the cruises, the operator has adopted a "cruise plus" strategy that includes light dining, themed sailings, digital collectibles and other cultural products.