Tourists on a boat ride along the Grand Canal in Jining, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/jnnews.tv]

The Rencheng district in Jining, East China's Shandong province launched a cruise route along the city's section of the Grand Canal on Sept 30.

The 1.6-kilometer route is an important part of the "Grand Canal Memories" historical bloc in Rencheng. Visitors can go on boat rides to enjoy the beautiful scenery as guides introduce to them the cultural landmarks along the canal, such as the Dongda Temple, a mosque protected at the national level, and a wharf where the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) once boarded his ships.

Guides will also play games with visitors and present small gifts to add more color to the trip.

Traditional Chinese opera is staged along the cruise route. [Photo/jnnews.tv]

In the night, a variety of lightshows, operas and performances will be staged along the cruise route.

During the recent National Day holiday from Oct 1 to 7, nearly 2,000 tourists traveled along the route by boat, said a director at Jining Canal Cultural Tourism Development Co.

Light shows entertain visitors at the "Grand Canal Memories" historical bloc in Rencheng, Jining. [Photo/jnnews.tv]