The canal network embraces Suzhou

Opening the appendix of an old local chronicle's map of Jiangnan, one would find it mostly covered by water ripple patterns. Beside the vast Tai Lake, cities such as Suzhou, Songjiang, Huzhou, Jiaxing, and some larger market towns appear like isolated islands floating amidst the surging ripples, as if 'water' is the essence of the earth, with land merely serving as a backdrop. Beyond the foundational water system of Tai Lake, the Jiangnan region still boasts an extremely rich array of water resources. With the Yangtze River to the north, the sea to the east, and numerous lakes and river ports internally connected, this mix of natural and man-made waterways crisscrosses, endowing the Jiangnan area with a natural advantage in waterborne transportation. Numerous boats travel up and down the canals, mooring overnight, with the captains linking the vessels to ensure safety and stability. As the sun rises, the boat dwellers paddle out on small sampans to greet each other, untie the ropes, and embark on a new journey.