On October 12, 2018, the Forum on Museum Curatorship, a sub-forum of the World Canal Cities Forum, was held in Yangzhou, China. Based on the theme of "Canal Cultural Cities and Museum Development," the Forum was strengthened by the presence of well-known museum curators from numerous countries. In addition, the announcement was made that the much-anticipated China Grand Canal Museum will be located in Sanwan, Yangzhou, Jiangsu. The preliminary design plan of the new museum was also released.
Construction of the China Grand Canal Museum attracted much attention at the Forum. The design of this project has taken into full consideration the natural endowment, cultural heritage and historical remains of the region, lending an important reference to the protection of the canal culture in various countries. Attendees from all over the world expressed their expectation about the progress of the project and made suggestions on improving the construction plan following release of the museum's overall design.
The "Canal City Museum Cooperation Initiative" was concluded at the Forum, whereby the cultural relics resources of the museum will be turned into pragmatic actions and practical projects to enhance culture, promote tourism, improve people's livelihood, and transform the environment. It will herald the global cooperation of the canal museums.