Local governments along the canal are coming up with all sorts of measures to protect this cultural gem. [Photo/Xinhua]

Shaw went to Xiangwangnong, an area known for jade workshops, looking for a mentor. Finally, he became an apprentice there.

Today he owns a workshop and his works are a blend of Eastern and Western culture.

"Jade is the heart of Chinese culture, it represents the perfect personality - mild, tolerant and pure," says Shaw.

Also, on the banks of the Grand Canal, Jessica Doolin, 27, from Ireland, is pursuing her dream to be an acrobat.

Wuqiao county of Cangzhou city in Hebei province is the cradle of acrobatics.

In the past, performers traveled using the Grand Canal to perform around the country and even abroad.

Doolin, a former hairdresser, fell in love with the art and decided to be a performer five years ago after watching an acrobatic performance.

She is now the oldest student at the Wuqiao acrobatics school.

"Being a late starter means I have to work harder," she says.

In Wuqiao she has received lots of help.

Cangzhou is also the cradle of Chinese kung fu. And many kung fu masters in the area worked as guards to protect travelers and cargo on the canal.