An ancient cargo vessel from the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties is under restoration in Taicang, Jiangsu province on Aug 27. [Photo/taicangdaily.com]

A 1,000-year-old cargo vessel is under urgent restoration in Taicang, Jiangsu province, in order to be displayed during the month-long Jiangnan Culture and Arts & International Tourism Festival, which kicked off on Aug 24.

Archaeologists suggest that the vessel, which measures 17.4 meters in length and 4.8 meters in width, was employed by merchants of the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties for near-sea shipping.

The ancient vessel reflects Taicang's long history of water transport. Taicang Port is the nearest port to the estuary of the Yangtze River, with a 38.8-kilometer coastal line, as well as an ice-free climate throughout the year.

In the Yuan Dynasty, Taicang was the departure port for the central government's grain supply, as well as a logistics hub for overseas trade. Taicang Port was where Zheng He (1371-1435), the great Chinese navigator and explorer, started his voyages to the Indian Ocean during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Today, over 80 shipping routes along the Yangtze River are connected to Taicang Port, making it a transit hub for domestic trade. The port also possesses 25 near-sea shipping routes that connect to countries and regions along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.