#China #Hangzhou #Liangzhu #Cultural Heritage #Rome

Liangzhu and Rome: A New Era of Cultural Dialogue

On July 6, 2025, the ancient cities of Liangzhu and Rome, representing Eastern and Western civilizations respectively, convened for a groundbreaking intercultural dialogue. This event coincided with the ‘2025 Day of Liangzhu’ celebration in Hangzhou, China, and brought together over 110 delegates from China and Italy to explore shared wisdom in the realms of urban development and cultural preservation.

The dialogue was marked by profound discussions surrounding the preservation of cultural heritage, with both cities recognized as not just outdoor museums but living laboratories for safeguarding cultural legacies. Cristiano Varotti, the main representative of the Italian National Tourism Office in China, highlighted the underlying connection between Liangzhu and Rome as a foundation for mutual understanding and collaboration in addressing global challenges.

Experts at the event emphasized how Liangzhu embodies the spatial logic of harmony with nature, while Rome exemplifies sophisticated water management practices. These insights serve as inspirational models in urban planning today. The collaborative aspect of cultural dialogue was underscored by Donato Abruzzese, an associate professor at Tor Vergata University in Rome, who advocated for utilizing virtual reality and 3D technologies to enhance interactions with heritage sites while minimizing physical contact.

After a tour of the Liangzhu ruins, Olga Di Cagno, an archaeologist and council member in Rome's fifth district, praised China’s accomplishments in preserving the Liangzhu site. Di Cagno expressed her commitment to sharing Liangzhu's preservation methodologies throughout Italy. She noted that discovering new approaches to heritage protection and value assessment during her visit were invaluable in an increasingly globalized context.

In recent years, Liangzhu has actively pursued its ‘Liangzhu and the World’ dialogue initiative, aiming to showcase its experiences in heritage protection and promote international cultural exchanges. This effort included dialogues with the Acropolis in Athens to explore Sino-Greek civilizational roots in 2023, and interactions with Toledo, Spain's historic city, regarding ancient heritage revitalization in 2024.

Innovative formats like the global touring exhibition ‘Journey Through Civilizations: Meeting Liangzhu’ and the ‘International Jade Database of Liangzhu’ have helped extend Liangzhu culture to 14 countries and regions, including Greece, Cuba, and Brazil. As experts concluded, the preservation of cultural heritage transcends merely honoring the past; it is also about shaping a shared future for generations to come.

From this significant event, it is evident that such cultural exchanges and collaborative dialogues pave the way for understanding, learning, and the joint effort necessary to tackle the manifold challenges faced by modern society.