The Grand Canal, also known as the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal, is the longest artificial river in the world. Starting in the capital Beijing, it passes through Tianjin City, Hebei Province, Shandong Province and Jiangsu Province, and flows on to Zhejiang's Hangzhou City, linking China's five main river basins, including the Yellow River and the Yangtze River. From ancient to modern times, the Grand Canal has continued to serve as a link between northern and southern China, boosting the economic, agricultural and ecological development of the cities and towns along its banks.

"Along the Grand Canal, Yaowan stands out as the most picturesque." Located in the southwest corner of Xinyi City, Xuzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Yaowan Ancient Town is adjacent to the Grand Canal in the west and Luoma Lake in the east. Surrounded by water on three sides, it remains the only well-preserved ancient water town in northern Jiangsu, boasting a long history of over 1,400 years.

A traditional sweet oil workshop in Zhao Xinlong Sauce Garden in Yaowan Ancient Town.

According to the Yaowan Town Chronicles, kiln firing was an important means of livelihood for locals. In addition, the town's location at a corner in the Grand Canal made it a popular stopping point for passing ships. Here, boatmen would take rest breaks and seek shelter from the wind, as well as purchase daily necessities. Passing boatmen greeted each other, "Hey, friend, where is your boat berthed?" They would reply, "It is berthed by the kiln." Therefore, the name "Yaowan" — meaning "Kiln Bay" — has been spreading ever since.