Group 1 - The 2025 Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Cultural Dialogue opened in Beijing, showcasing cultural symbols from both regions under the theme "Canal Culture" [1] - The Beijing exhibition area featured the theme "Beijing Flavor," highlighting traditional culinary arts with live demonstrations from Quanjude, a renowned brand known for its Peking Duck [2] - The Hangzhou exhibition area focused on "Southern Elegance," presenting the historical and cultural heritage of Hangzhou cuisine, including various traditional pastries and innovative products [5] Group 2 - Quanjude's exhibition included a variety of products, such as the "Quanjude·Central Axis Food Gift" and creative cultural items, emphasizing the brand's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and innovation [2] - The event also featured a tea space called "Lao She Tea House," symbolizing the historical and contemporary cultural exchange between Beijing and Hangzhou along the Grand Canal [5] - The overarching theme of the dialogue, "Sailing with a Thousand Sails, the Canal Connects All," aims to create a continuous cultural forum in Beijing, leveraging the significance of the Grand Canal [5]

Group 1 - The "Grand Canal Cultural Belt" dialogue event between Beijing and Hangzhou was launched on May 29, 2025, at the Beijing Grand Canal Museum, showcasing cultural symbols and culinary heritage from both cities [1][3] - The event featured a cultural symbol exhibition themed "Canal Wind and Things," highlighting the regional characteristics and aesthetic life of Beijing and Hangzhou [3] - The exhibition included a tea break space with traditional tea service, emphasizing the cultural significance of tea in Beijing, where a bowl of tea costs only 0.02 yuan, reflecting the spirit of entrepreneurship and community [1][3] Group 2 - The Hangzhou exhibition area showcased the history and culinary techniques of Hangzhou cuisine, led by renowned chefs, and featured a creative cold dish called "Thousand Miles of Grand Canal" [3] - The Beijing exhibition area highlighted the cultural confidence of time-honored brands, featuring live demonstrations of Peking Duck preparation and showcasing various traditional snacks and creative products [3]

Group 1 - The Jiangnan section of the Grand Canal in Zhenjiang is characterized by its high terrain and shallow water, historically making navigation difficult, leading to its nickname "the roof of Jiangnan" [1] - The section has undergone significant improvements since the establishment of New China, with five major renovations, including a notable one in 1958 that involved cutting nine sharp bends and excavating approximately 10 kilometers of the canal [1] - Historical artworks, such as the "Kangxi Southern Tour Map," depict the challenges faced by boats in this section, highlighting the role of "tugmen" who assisted in navigation through difficult waters [1][2] Group 2 - The Zhenjiang section of the Grand Canal faced severe water shortages in ancient times, often leading to navigation disruptions due to sedimentation and erosion [2] - Recent comprehensive renovations have transformed the Grand Canal in Zhenjiang, with modern infrastructure such as large bridges and high-speed railways replacing the traditional small wooden boats [2] - The once challenging "Taishan Bay" has now evolved into a vital waterway, referred to as a "water expressway," showcasing significant improvements in navigation and accessibility [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the historical and cultural significance of the Daicun Dam, which has been a crucial infrastructure for water management and navigation in the Grand Canal system for over 600 years, and its recent recognition as a heritage site by the Ministry of Water Resources in China [4][5][9]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The Daicun Dam, located on the Dawan River in Shandong Province, has played a vital role in directing water flow to the Grand Canal, facilitating transportation and flood control throughout its history [4][6]. - The dam was constructed to address the challenges posed by the high terrain of the Grand Canal in the Jining Nanwang section, which hindered the passage of large vessels [5][6]. Group 2: Engineering and Design - The dam's design includes a main stone dam, a Dougong embankment, and a spillway, which work together to manage water flow effectively [7][8]. - The foundation of the dam is reinforced with closely packed cypress piles, which are treated to enhance durability and reduce water absorption, ensuring stability against flooding [7][8]. Group 3: Modern Developments - Since 2022, the Daicun Dam has transitioned from its original function of water diversion to becoming a recreational area, attracting visitors for leisure activities and cultural tourism [9][10]. - The local government is promoting the integration of water management with cultural tourism, enhancing the ecological environment and preserving the heritage of the Grand Canal [9][11].