In the downtown of Shanghai, you can now catch a glimpse of the Yangtze River Delta culture. The Suzhou Art Gallery has recently opened its Shanghai branch, which is exhibiting 33 artworks featuring the typical Jiangnan scenery and culture.

(The Suzhou Art Gallery is housed in the Tianzifang Art Center.)

Jiangnan is a geographic area referring to lands to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. From the Tang to the end of the Qing Dynasties (7th century to early 20th century), Suzhou and its environs were the center of China’s art and culture because of their unique geographical position and ethnicity. Nowadays, the ongoing exhibition in the Suzhou Art Gallery Shanghai branch is a testament to the ceaseless vitality of Jiangnan culture.

(A visitor takes a picture of a painting on display.)

Inaugurated on December 7, the gallery in Shanghai is located in the city’s iconic cultural spot of Tianzifang.

According to Zhang Lixing, curator of the exhibition, Jiangnan and Gusu (a nickname for Suzhou in ancient times) have provided a cultural gene and homeland for artists, serving as a fertile land for artistic creation.

The exhibition features paintings created by 11 Chinese artists of different generations, a representation of diverse artistic styles in different times.

This year marks the Jiangnan Year of the Suzhou Art Gallery, said Cao Jun, head of the gallery. Through the artistic exchange between Suzhou and Shanghai, they want to promote the cultural integration of the two cities in the context of the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. In late December, the art gallery will host a special exhibition in Shanghai to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Suzhou Picture Exhibition, said Cao.

In the future, Suzhou Art Gallery will also develop cultural derivatives from its local culture such as Taohuawu New Year woodblock painting, to showcase Suzhou’s culture and charm to both Chinese and foreign tourists in Tianzifang.