Rediscovering the value of the waterways: Emphasizing the specific importance of the waterway to the heritage and identity of the place

Cultural heritage is a valuable asset, especially in highly developed urban areas. The fast development of the economy, digital technology, and its adaptation to the young generation in China caused an absence of attention to the long history of a culture that worked as a backbone of urban development. Suzhou is one of the water town cities with many royal gardens in China. Along with the variety of developed areas and ongoing construction, the old town is kept as longstanding local scenery with modern commercial programs to accommodate the tourist population. However, one of the essential features of the town is that the water canal used to transport goods in ancient times has yet to be utilized.
This paper considers that rediscovering the canal's local function would bring remarkable benefits to the locals with a revival of the original cultural activities along the waterway. This experimental research focuses on rejuvenating an existing canal to meet the modern needs of users while utilizing the waterway for activities by tracing its history through multiple narrations and understanding. This project (participatory workshop) featuring the water canal boating activity aims to rediscover the value of the forgotten regional cultures and the memory to descend Suzhou's young generation as cultural heritages. Moreover, local place-making connects the generations as a social engagement in the community.