For thousands of years, inland water transport has played a major role in China's transportation infrastructure. Even today, China boasts more than 75,000 miles (some 125,00 km) of navigable inland waterways, the most extensive systems of any other country in the world. The country saw an uptick in waterway construction following the shift of power in the 1950s to a communist government. They have developed and spread over the decades and are now considered some of the most economically significant waterways in the world. But if you step away from the massive freight transports and dredged rivers, you'll find a plethora of smaller water canals frequently throughout the cities and villages in China. These provide quick transportation for residents and help move goods to more remote locations. Most of all, they provide a view of the landscape that might not otherwise be visible. In this watercolor, residual ripples fade out from such a canal as Jiang directs us down this waterway. Long stone walls stretch down the canal as our eyes move up into the skyline among ever-growing rooftops. The older, simplistic houses appear far more colorful and livelier than their modern, background counterparts. Wrapped in rich brick reds and pale floral blues, the modest canal houses edge up alongside each other while steps are perched center for quick access to a boat for a daily shopping trip. Anyone with an appreciation of canal art scenes and water portraits will enjoy having this slice of Jiang's work in their collection.