Tangtang is transported by the river water, with households on both sides. For thousands of years, the Grand Canal has nourished the cities and people on both sides, witnessing countless touching human fireworks. Kaifeng, the ancient capital of eight dynasties, was once the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty and was called Dongjing at that time. In "Tokyo Dream of Splendor", the phrase "Eight Wilderness Controversy, Ten Thousand Countries Connect" is used to describe this influential international metropolis at that time. The prosperity of Kaifeng cannot be separated from the Grand Canal. Kaifeng was formerly known as Bianzhou, named after the Bian River. The Bian River was an important part of the Sui and Tang Grand Canal, and during the Northern Song Dynasty, it was a golden waterway leading to the capital city, providing almost all of its material and supply needs. The painting "Along the River during Qingming Festival" by Zhang Zeduan, a painter of the Northern Song Dynasty, can be regarded as the oldest surviving scroll of the Grand Canal. This painting depicting the urban landscape of Kaifeng, the capital city of the late Northern Song Dynasty, is 525 centimeters long, with the Bian River accounting for 240 centimeters. In the picture, there are many boats anchored on the Bian River, showing the busy water transportation scene of the Bian River at that time. The Qingming Riverside Scene also records the lives of the people in the capital at that time: the people on both sides of the Bian River were bustling, the houses on both sides of the streets were well arranged, and free trading and leisurely citizens could be seen everywhere. Kaifeng during the Northern Song Dynasty was the birthplace of large-scale urban night markets. Due to the absence of curfews and open market systems, a rich nightlife has become a part of ordinary citizens' lives, creating a brilliant material and spiritual culture. The development of Kaifeng city also relies on the canal. Due to multiple breaches and floods of the Yellow River in history, within a range of about 3-14 meters below the city of Kaifeng today, six ancient cities were stacked from top to bottom, including Kaifeng City from the Qing Dynasty, Kaifeng City from the Ming Dynasty, Bianjing City from the Jin Dynasty, Dongjing City from the Five Dynasties and Northern Song Dynasties, Bianzhou City from the Tang Dynasty, and Daliang City from the Wei Dynasty during the Warring States Period, forming a unique historical wonder of "city stacking cities". In the view of Dan Jixiang, "this city has been destroyed and built repeatedly, but people still do not leave this land, which may be related to the Grand Canal. It should be said that this river is constantly changing people's fate and changing the fate of the city." The water of the canal not only created the splendid and prosperous ancient capital of Kaifeng, but also nurtured the Jiangnan water charm of "when you come to Gusu to meet, everyone rests on the river". The Suzhou Baodai Bridge, located at the mouth of Dantai Lake on the west side of the Beijing Hangzhou Ancient Canal, was first built in the Tang Dynasty. It is the longest existing ancient arched stone bridge in China and an important cultural heritage site of the Grand Canal. It complements the modern bridge not far away, connecting the ancient charm of the Grand Canal to this day. In the Suzhou section of the canal heritage, the Pingjiang Historical and Cultural District located in the northeast corner of the ancient city enjoys a unique position. The Pingjiang River is connected with water transportation, and the riverbank is bustling with prosperity. Relying on the criss crossing river channels, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, this area was an important grain storage center, transportation hub, and departure point in Jiangnan. It is the most complete and authentic core area showcasing the traditional residences, historical environment, and lifestyle of Suzhou ancient city, and also a physical witness to the economic and cultural exchange between the north and south of the Grand Canal. Today's Pingjiang Road is the best epitome of the Jiangnan culture of "small bridges, flowing water, and homes". The thousand year old ancient road runs along the river, and under the bridge is the ancient canal water flowing quietly. Occasionally, boat mothers hold their oars and sail through the river. In the crisscrossing deep streets and alleys, among the rows of traditional buildings, rivers, small bridges, residential buildings, and temples together depict the style of Suzhou city, highlighting the unique warmth and temperament of Jiangnan. In the bustling shops on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, choosing a Suzhou embroidery scarf, listening to a Suzhou Pingtan, and experiencing the production of Taohuawu New Year paintings are becoming an increasingly popular new way of life for residents and tourists. (New Society)