Constructed in sections from the 5th century BC onwards, the Grand Canal in China is one of the country's major waterways. Here in Beijing, the starting point of the canal, various contemporary artists narrate the stories along the river with their distinctive styles. 

Running from Beijing in the north to Zhejiang Province in the south, the 2,700-kilometer long Grand Canal was among the world's earliest canals.

Various exhibits tell different stories along the ancient major transportation route that has been in service for more than 2,500 years.

The element of water could be seen in various art forms by different artists. But, to some others, the Grand Canal for them evokes something far more than just the river itself. They try to remind people of an era that's long before them.

One of the installations is called "the Repayment of Mermaids" by artist Shou Shengnan. Viewers are normally attracted by the shiny artificial sea products hung on the swaying strings. But the ceramic chips on the ground are something more important to the artist. 

"Shells and pearls from the canal are beautiful and could easily attract attention," says Zhao Fang, Executive Director of Times Art Museum. "On the contrary, the porcelain tiles lying at the bottom of the river are always unseen. But the ancient legacies represented prosperity of some glorious periods. They are another kind of beauty. So the artist tried to salvage some and display them together." 

Different artistic means are applied by these contemporary artists. Besides paintings, photos and sculptures, some high technologies stun visitors with fresh experiences. For example, with a smartphone, viewers could match a Chinese bridge along the canal with a picture of a renowned bridge in Venice, Italy, with apparent architectural similarities. This is what Chinese artist Fei Jun tries to reveal: the affinity between two ancient civilizations, as well as how they are uniquely distinct. 

The Grand Canal was included on the World Heritage List in 2014. Marking the fifth anniversary of the event, the exhibition runs through November 27, at the Times Art Museum in Beijing.