#China #Yangtze River #Chongqing #World Civilizations

2025 Yangtze River Civilization Forum Successfully Kicks Off

On September 17, 2025, the 2025 Yangtze River Civilization Forum was successfully held in Chongqing, China, under the theme "Building Bridges Between Rivers and Seas, Sharing Wisdom of Civilizations." This forum drew renowned experts and scholars from both domestic and international backgrounds to engage in meaningful discussions focused on the Yangtze River civilization's preservation, the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and shared learnings among the world's significant river civilizations.

The event served as a platform for generating new ideas, consolidating viable solutions, and promoting collaborative efforts for cultural heritage protection and sustainable development. During the main session, eight leading experts delivered insightful speeches addressing key subjects such as the transition from an industrial civilization to an ecological one, driven by new quality productive forces, the historical brilliance of the Yangtze River civilization, and the impact of cross-civilizational exchanges on the early forms of statehood.

These discussions emphasized cultural continuity, the strengthening of dialogue among civilizations, and explored pathways for enhancing the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt while fostering exchanges between river civilizations worldwide.

In addition to the main forum, various parallel events were organized, including the 2025 Longgupo Site Academic Seminar, the Great Rivers World Concert, a cultural heritage exchange and exhibition focused on the Yangtze River basin's intangible cultural heritage, and a special exhibition titled "From Dunhuang to Dazu." The event featured a captivating drone performance entitled "New Rhythm of Chongqing" and numerous cultural exploration activities along the Yangtze River.

Chongqing first launched the Yangtze River Civilization Forum in 2023. The following year, the forum was approved by the central government to be elevated to a permanent provincial-ministerial event, making it the only forum of its kind devoted to the civilizations and cultures of the Yangtze River basin. The first two sessions attracted over 200 experts from key academic and cultural institutions across the country. Many proposed measures concerning the construction of the National Yangtze Cultural Park and cultural productions have since been translated into concrete policies.

Following the success of its previous sessions, the forum has evolved into a high-level academic event with national influence, characterized by coordination between central and local governments and regional collaboration. This year's edition was particularly marked by its international expansion, high-profile participants, and a broader variety of activities.

In conclusion, the 2025 Yangtze River Civilization Forum not only signifies a strong commitment to river civilization discourse but also highlights the importance of collective understanding and cooperation among global civilizations, paving the way for sustainable development and cultural preservation.