Wuxi’s Chronicles: How Podcasts Are Amplifying the Grand Canal’s Stories

In the heart of Wuxi, a city where ancient canals whisper tales of dynasties past, two podcasters are turning everyday strolls into cultural time capsules. Meet Ni Mingxiang and Liu Wei—audio storytellers who’ve swapped studio mics for walking shoes, leading groups of young locals through winding lanes to capture the soul of their hometown.

Their mission? To preserve the Grand Canal’s legacy—not just as a UNESCO World Heritage site but as a living, breathing backdrop to modern life. From the clatter of tea shops to elders sharing memories under willow trees, every sound becomes a chapter in Wuxi’s evolving story.

\"The canal isn’t just water—it’s the rhythm of our lives,\" says Ni. Through their podcast, they blend history with today’s beats: think traditional pingtan music layered over skateboarders grinding rails by the waterfront.

For Gen Z listeners, it’s a sonic bridge between eras. \"My grandma cried when she heard recordings of her childhood market,\" shared one participant. Now, these audio adventures are sparking a youth-led movement to safeguard Wuxi’s heritage—one step, and one playlist, at a time.

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A youthful city walk: Capturing Wuxi's stories in sound

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