Liangzhu and Rome: A Cross-Cultural Dialogue for Heritage Preservation

On July 6, 2025, the city of Liangzhu in Zhejiang Province, China, marked a significant cultural event coinciding with the 'Day of Hangzhou Liangzhu'. This occasion was highlighted by an intercultural dialogue between two ancient cities: Liangzhu and Rome, representing the rich legacies of Eastern and Western civilizations. Over 110 delegates from both Chinese and Italian backgrounds gathered to exchange insights on the shared wisdom in urban planning and heritage conservation.

Preserving the Past for Future Generations

Cristiano Varotti, head of the Italian National Tourist Office (ENIT) in China, emphasized that both cities function not merely as open-air museums but as living laboratories for cultural heritage preservation. He highlighted the importance of recognizing commonalities between the two civilizations to pave the way for a collaborative future, fostering mutual understanding, and addressing global challenges together. Experts noted that Liangzhu represents the spatial logic of harmonizing with nature, while Rome showcases sophisticated water management, both offering inspirations for contemporary urban development.

Embracing Technology for Preservation

The discussions extended into practical cooperation. Donato Abruzzese, an associate professor at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, discussed the use of virtual reality and 3D technologies to minimize physical contact while enhancing interaction with heritage sites. The delicate balance of archaeology, conservation, and human development remains crucial, as per the experts. Olga Di Cagno, a prominent archaeologist and councilor from Rome's Fifth Municipal District, underscored the impressive achievements of Liangzhu in preserving its heritage. She expressed her commitment to sharing Liangzhu's conservation knowledge across Italy, recognizing that such exchanges are invaluable in today's globalizing world.

Liangzhu's Ongoing Cultural Initiatives

In recent years, Liangzhu has been actively pursuing its initiative 'Liangzhu and the World', dedicated to knowledge exchange regarding heritage protection and utilization. This initiative aims to establish platforms for international cultural exchanges. In 2023, Liangzhu engaged in dialogue with the Acropolis of Athens, exploring the roots of Sino-Greek civilization, while in 2024, discussions were held with the historic city of Toledo, Spain, focusing on ancient heritage revitalization. Through innovative means, such as the global traveling exhibition 'Journey Through Civilizations: A Meeting with Liangzhu' and the 'Liangzhu Overseas Jade Database', Liangzhu's culture has reached 14 countries and regions, including Greece, Cuba, and Brazil.

A Shared Vision for the Future

As the experts concluded, preserving cultural heritage is not just about honoring the past; it is also about forging a shared future for all. The collaboration between Liangzhu and Rome underscores the importance of learning from each other to enhance their ongoing efforts in urban development and heritage preservation. This dialogue signifies a vital step towards a more connected and culturally aware global community.

In essence, the shared insights from this cross-cultural dialogue not only reinforce the historical connections between these ancient cities but also showcase the potential for collaborative efforts in facing modern challenges while cherishing the wisdom of the past. The event has spurred optimism and ambitions for future cooperation, aiming to create pathways for understanding and cultural richness that transcend regional boundaries.