A computer generated image of the new Qiantang River Museum building in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

Construction began on the new Qiantang River Museum building in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Dec 18 and is expected to finish in 2022.

The Qiantang River Museum displays the history and culture of the Qiantang River, considered the mother river of Hangzhou.

The new building is located at the intersection between the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Qiantang River and will have a floor area of 11,000 square meters.

The museum has been promoting the culture of the Qiantang River in recent years by holding exhibitions, lectures and other themed activities, such as a photo exhibition of Hangzhou, a cartoon exhibition, an Asian Games-themed art exhibition and a calligraphy and painting exhibition in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The museum also held more than 20 public welfare activities to teach local residents how to make handicrafts, celebrate festivals and exchange art.

"We will take advantage of cultural venues along the Qiantang River, including the Qiantang River Museum, to better preserve historical relics and promote the culture of the river," said Huang Haoming, director of the administrative committee of Qianjiang New Town.

Other major museums along the river include a museum exploring the history of Hangzhou's railway, a museum featuring intangible cultural heritages of Tonglu county, and a museum exploring the history and culture of Chun'an county.