Reviving Ancient Heritage: Insights from Global Mayors Dialogue in Zhengzhou
Reviving Ancient Heritage: Insights from Global Mayors Dialogue in Zhengzhou
From October 22 to 25, 2025, a significant event called the Global Mayors Dialogue•Zhengzhou and the 2025 International Mayor's Forum on Tourism took place in Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province, China. This forum, centered on theme "Preserving the Cultural Legacy of Ancient Capitals and Driving Urban Renewal," attracted around 300 attendees from various nations, including mayors, city representatives, experts, and scholars from Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, and New Zealand. The primary focus was to integrate urban renewal initiatives with the preservation of cultural heritage.
The highlight of the forum was Zhengzhou's commitment to prioritizing cultural heritage during urban development. The city has pioneered a reform titled "archaeology first, construction later," ensuring protective measures are in place for artifacts during construction projects. This approach illustrates Zhengzhou's distinct strategy in harmonizing its rich cultural past with contemporary urban development.
One of the key projects mentioned during the forum is the Zhengzhou Shang City Archaeological Site Park, where the design team has created an interactive experience that integrates the ancient 3,600-year-old Shang Dynasty city walls into the modern landscape. Similarly, the Fuminli Cultural Block embodies the philosophy of preserving the original street layout while fusing cultural industries, allowing tradition and modernity to coalesce peacefully.
Maurizio Rasero, the governor of Italy's Asti Province, shared valuable insights, reflecting on how modernization does not necessitate sacrificing tradition. By converting historical sites into cultural hubs, Asti has thrived through experiential tourism, capitalizing on its rich winemaking legacy to reinvigorate its heritage.
Juan de Dios Perez Garcia, mayor of Palomeque in Spain, also lauded Zhengzhou’s efforts, calling it a "historical and cultural city" that elegantly blends its historic charm with contemporary flair. He introduced the notion of "proactive protection," which advocates for the intelligent integration of modernity into traditional environments, ensuring the sustainable evolution of historic districts.
Highlighted also was the contribution of Tania Arihia Tapsell, the mayor of Rotorua, New Zealand, who praised Zhengzhou’s approach to reviving traditional culture using modern technology. This not only creates job opportunities but also stimulates economic growth. She expressed enthusiasm for strengthening collaborative efforts between their cities, suggesting mutual benefits in cultural exchanges.
Finally, An Wei, a senior official from the Henan Provincial Party Committee, emphasized that urban renewal transcends mere reconstruction efforts. It represents the organic growth of a city, advocating for each urban area to discover its tailored path toward cultural innovation.
The Global Mayors Dialogue held in Zhengzhou highlighted a significant conversation about the future of urban development interwoven with cultural legacy preservation. As cities worldwide face the challenges of modernization, Zhengzhou emerges as an exemplar of successfully navigating the complexities of blending ancient heritage with the demands of contemporary urban life. This dialogue not only paves the way for innovative urban strategies but also fosters a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures that history grants us, ultimately shaping resilient and vibrant urban futures.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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