Wenzhou's Cultural Heritage Achievements Earn UNESCO Recognition Twice in a Month
Recently, Wenzhou, a city located in eastern China's Zhejiang Province, has made headlines by receiving commendations from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on two separate occasions within a mere span of fifteen days. This noteworthy recognition acknowledges Wenzhou's significant advancements in the areas of cultural heritage preservation, the integration of cultural promotion with tourism, and a robust commitment to sustainable development.
The first instance of acclaim came through a certificate issued by UNESCO echoing the city's commitment to safeguarding traditional skills and heritage, which was delivered from Paris on November 3. This certificate lauded Wenzhou's exceptional work in preserving invaluable aspects of its intangible cultural heritage, including historical knowledge and norms of ancient Chinese grammar. UNESCO highlighted how these efforts contribute positively towards leveraging culture in the context of sustainable development.
Following this, Wenzhou hosted significant events, including the Maritime Silk Road Urban Cooperation Development Conference and the International Travel Agents Conference on November 19. These conferences attracted over 300 participants from both domestic and international realms, providing a vibrant platform to further discuss cultural exchanges and sustainable practices in tourism and heritage preservation. Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, UNESCO's assistant director-general for culture, emphasized the historical importance of the Maritime Silk Road, which has functioned as a bridge for cultural dialogue and trade, underpinning Wenzhou’s rich history of maritime commerce over the past thousand years.
In recent years, Wenzhou has taken significant steps to promote creative transformations associated with intangible cultural heritage. This includes setting up workshops, international communication research centers, and integrating traditional cultures into the educational framework of the city. Such initiatives not only revitalize local traditions but also enhance their visibility on the global stage, ensuring that Wenzhou continues to play a crucial role in the preservation and innovation of its cultural legacy.
Wenzhou's rich civilization history spans over 5,000 years, with an urban history that exceeds 2,210 years. Today, the city proudly lists 35 national, 159 provincial, and 836 municipal intangible cultural heritage items. In recognizing Wenzhou, UNESCO has acknowledged the city as a model for other regions striving to balance modernization with cultural heritage conservation.
The vigor with which Wenzhou engages with its historical roots reflects a deep-seated pride in its cultural identity. As this city moves forward, it remains committed to transforming cultural heritage into a force for sustainable economic development, serving as an exemplary case for other cities worldwide seeking to integrate culture and commerce responsibly. The recent acknowledgments from UNESCO not only enhance Wenzhou’s international standing but also inspire a continued dedication to preserving the traditions that define its vibrant history. Through these efforts, Wenzhou is poised to emerge as a beacon of cultural heritage conservation and sustainable tourism in the contemporary world.