Changes of the Northern Zhejiang Canal: Renaissance and Cultural Tourism Development of Ancient Towns

Abstract

The Grand Canal was an important transportation facility in ancient China, and the ancient towns along the canal were once very prosperous commercial centers. With the development of industrialization and urbanization, the ancient towns along the canal gradually declined. This paper took the canal and ancient towns in northern Zhejiang as the research object to reveal the concurrent relationship between canal changes and the rise and fall of ancient towns. This study summarized the development revelations of ancient canal towns and put forward the current development strategy of cultural tourism in ancient towns. Effective government policies protect the cultural heritage of the ancient town. Reasonable industry layout promotes the development of the cultural tourism industry in the ancient town. Public participation is needed to build a harmonious living community.