#China #Cultural Heritage #World Internet Conference #Xi'an

2025 World Internet Conference: Cultural Heritage Digitalization Forum

On September 17, 2025, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, hosted the World Internet Conference Cultural Heritage Digitalization Forum. This significant event drew attention to the vital intersection of technology and cultural heritage, centered on the theme "Bridging History Through Digitalization, Building Civilization with Intelligence." The forum sought to foster dialogue, exchange ideas, and create consensus on how digitalization can enhance the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage.

This year's forum was particularly impactful, aiming to empower cultural heritage through innovation and collaborative governance. The event featured an impressive lineup of activities intended to facilitate deep discussions among experts, practitioners, and policymakers. These discussions were organized around four main topics: Protection & Inheritance, Technology & Innovation, Industry & Empowerment, and Openness & Collaborative Governance.

Key Discussions and Themes

1. Protection & Inheritance: This topic focused on various methods of safeguarding cultural heritage amid the rapid advancement of the digital landscape. Experts exchanged strategies on keeping traditions alive while integrating modern technology.

2. Technology & Innovation: Attendees explored cutting-edge technological applications in the realm of cultural heritage, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and blockchain, discussing how these tools can enhance preservation efforts and accessibility to cultural artifacts.

3. Industry & Empowerment: This discussion aimed to connect industries and stakeholders, emphasizing that private and public sectors can collaboratively enhance the digital infrastructure relevant to cultural preservation.

4. Openness & Collaborative Governance: Conversations around this theme highlighted the importance of transparent communication and collaborations between nations and cultures, encouraging a shared approach to governance in cyberspace.

Side Events and Activities

In addition to the main forum, several side events contributed to enriching the experience:

• - An exhibition showcased selected digital cultural heritage projects, demonstrating innovative practices and success stories from various regions.
• - A thematic meeting by the WIC Digital Culture Heritage Working Group aimed at pooling insights and feedback from the participants to strategize future initiatives.
• - A focused training workshop provided attendees with practical knowledge on digital tools and strategies for cultural heritage preservation.

During the forum, the World Internet Conference Culture Heritage Digitalization Case Collection (2025) was released, providing a valuable resource for academics and practitioners alike.

International Attendance and Impact

The event gathered approximately 800 guests from over 50 countries, including representatives from nine international organizations. This high level of participation illuminates the global commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage through advanced technology.

As we advance deeper into the digital era, forums such as this play a crucial role in shaping the future of cultural heritage preservation. They provide a platform for fruitful exchange of ideas that can lead to sustainable practices, ensuring that cultural histories are not only preserved but also appreciated across generations.

In conclusion, the 2025 World Internet Conference Cultural Heritage Digitalization Forum in Xi'an was a testament to the potential of digitalization as a powerful ally in the ongoing effort to protect our world’s diverse cultural heritage. As nations and cultures increasingly interconnect, such dialogues become essential to build a shared future in cyberspace, rich with the tapestry of global civilizations.