Artists showcase Grand Canal-inspired works in Beijing

"The Grand Canal is an unbelievable marvel of engineering that weaves together centuries of Chinese culture, innovation and resilience," said Meerim Dzhunushalieva, a Beijing-based Kyrgyzstan student.

"As I stood by the Grand Canal, I felt as though the stones beneath my feet carried the weight of generations filled with whispers from the past, and each relic we visited felt like a key unlocking untold stories. It was a powerful reminder that history is something that lives within us, shaping who we are and how we see the world," she added.

Dzhunushalieva used acrylic pouring techniques to create Grand Canal, which features clear, flowing water with floating lotuses, which she saw in abundance during her trips to Yangzhou and Xuzhou.