If you stroll along the Pearl River on a breezy evening, you might spot something unexpected gliding across the water — a vessel gleaming in ivory, royal blue, and gold, resembling a floating palace from another century. It's not a mirage, but the newest creation by the Guangdong Museum — a themed cruise inspired by 18th-century Italian court life, now bringing a slice of European elegance to Guangzhou's riverfront.
A journey from gallery to river
Inside the Guangdong Museum, the current exhibition "Crown of Elegance: Court Life and Art of Savoy in the 18th Century" takes visitors deep into the world of the Savoy dynasty — ornate paintings, refined tableware, and portraits of a royal court steeped in grace.
What makes this exhibition special is how it extends beyond the museum walls. From now until October 19, 2025, after exploring the galleries, you can continue the experience aboard a river cruise that embodies the spirit of the exhibition — transforming art history into something you can feel, see, and sail through.
When two worlds meet
Stepping inside the cabin feels like crossing into another era. Ceiling murals echo the grandeur of palace frescoes, gilded motifs glimmer in soft light, and the notes of a classical melody drift through the air. Then you glance out the window — and there's Guangzhou's skyline, illuminated in color, alive with motion.
It's a beautiful contrast: old-world Europe and modern China sharing the same frame. The river becomes a line between centuries — a tranquil space where art, history, and city life gently intersect.
Art, wind, and moonlight
The cruise feels less like a tour and more like a floating narrative. You can sip tea or try small Italian-inspired snacks while drifting past the Canton Tower or Ersha Island. There's music, laughter, and the soft hum of the river beneath your feet — a reminder that culture can be both grand and personal, rooted in history yet vibrant in the moment.
For locals, it's a new way to rediscover their city. For travelers, it's a chance to see how Guangzhou continues to evolve — blending Lingnan spirit with global imagination.
Beyond the deck
This "palace on water" is part of a broader effort by the Guangdong Museum to make art more accessible — not confined to walls, but part of the city's rhythm. Working with the local ferry company, the museum has transformed a simple river journey into a cultural encounter. And on nights like this, with moonlight on the water and music in the air, you realize — sometimes the best galleries aren't just on land.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Photo: Li Fangwang, Guangdong Museum
Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
