Core Insights - The article highlights the historical and cultural significance of the Haimen City Wall, also known as "Weicheng Yiyun," which has become a cultural landmark that bridges ancient and modern times [1][2] Group 1: Historical Significance - The Haimen City Wall, established in 1387, is a prime example of ancient coastal defense engineering, strategically located to oversee the confluence of the Jiao River and the sea [1] - The wall originally featured five gates and five rivers, serving both defensive and drainage purposes, with the remaining Yanqing Gate being the sole witness to this history [1] Group 2: Cultural Heritage - The site has transformed into a popular destination for both locals and tourists, with activities such as morning exercises and photography becoming common [1] - The East Mountain area, where the wall is located, is known for its scenic spots and has been restored to showcase military elements, reflecting the wisdom of ancient city construction [1] Group 3: Economic and Social Impact - Historically, Haimen served as a commercial hub, referred to as "Little Shanghai" during the Qing Dynasty due to its bustling port [2] - The restoration of Haimen Old Street has created a cultural district that blends Ming and Qing architecture with modern leisure, earning recognition from UNESCO for cultural heritage preservation [2] Group 4: Cultural Continuity - The enduring legacy of the anti-Japanese spirit and the historical significance of the city wall continue to resonate in contemporary culture, as seen in local customs and collective memories [2] - The integration of cultural heritage into modern life is emphasized, with activities like wearing traditional Hanfu and the recitation of folk songs reinforcing cultural identity [2]

Core Insights - Cultural heritage protection should actively drive regional sustainable development and improve people's lives, rather than being a static record in history books [1] - The theme for the 2025 "World Heritage Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals" is "Prosperity and Livelihood," reflecting the contemporary value and development direction of heritage protection [1] Group 1: Heritage Protection and Regional Development - High-quality cultural heritage protection is a crucial pillar for social and economic development, exemplified by the "Liangzhu Cultural Corridor," which achieved strategic integration of heritage protection and regional development [1][2] - The "Liangzhu model" provides valuable experience for collaborative development in large heritage areas through a comprehensive support system from top-level design to policy and implementation [2] Group 2: Future Exploration and Cultural Activation - Future exploration for Liangzhu should focus on deeper integration with land spatial planning and leveraging digital technologies to narrate the story of cultural heritage promoting Chinese modernization [2] - The Beijing Central Axis serves as a model for activating heritage resources, transforming a cultural concept into a walkable and experiential public cultural space, thereby enhancing urban governance and driving socio-economic development [2] Group 3: Challenges and Solutions for Jiangnan Water Towns - Jiangnan water towns face challenges such as population loss and a lack of distinctiveness, primarily due to the "homogenization" of towns [3] - Each water town must conduct in-depth cultural "archaeology" to rediscover its unique historical context and industrial heritage, which is essential for establishing its identity [3] - Collaboration and restructuring are necessary to reassess the economic value of towns within the context of the Yangtze River Delta integration, promoting balanced flows of people, capital, and technology [3] Group 4: Economic Potential and Unique Industries - The core of revitalizing ancient towns lies in developing distinctive and diverse industries, as demonstrated by Wuzhen and Xitang, which have successfully transformed from obscure towns to cultural and exhibition hubs [3] - The potential for economic growth in ancient towns is significant, contingent upon identifying unique market niches rather than merely selling local products or operating homestays [3] Group 5: Overall Vision for Cultural Heritage Protection - The vision for cultural heritage protection empowering "prosperity and livelihood" is becoming clearer, with the Liangzhu Cultural Corridor creating broad opportunities for livelihoods through systematic design [4] - The Beijing Central Axis exemplifies how cultural capital can be transformed into accessible urban spaces and tourism economies, enhancing governance and quality of life [4] - The path for Jiangnan water towns involves breaking free from homogenization by excavating historical roots and reshaping unique industrial ecosystems, enabling youth to find employment and realize dreams in their hometowns [4]

Core Viewpoint - The "Nine Layers Below" archaeological exhibition, supported by the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund, showcases the historical and cultural significance of the Forbidden City, spanning the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and will be open to visitors for free from November 4, 2025, to February 8, 2026 [1][3]. Group 1 - The exhibition is part of the centenary celebrations of the Palace Museum and highlights the craftsmanship and daily life of artisans from the former Imperial Workshop, as well as the exchange of techniques between China and the West [1][3]. - The exhibition is a culmination of five years of archaeological work, which has provided a continuous historical narrative from the Yuan to the late Qing dynasty [3][7]. - The archaeological project, initiated in 2020, has excavated approximately 2,300 square meters, adhering to principles of minimal intervention and micro-excavation, revealing significant historical and architectural insights about the Forbidden City [7]. Group 2 - The Mercedes-Benz Star Fund has established a strategic partnership with the Palace Museum for seven years, focusing on cultural heritage preservation, ancient building restoration, and youth education in traditional culture [5][7]. - The fund's chairman expressed a commitment to continue exploring innovative public welfare models in collaboration with the Palace Museum to contribute to the preservation and display of Chinese civilization [5]. - The Star Fund has supported various projects, including the systematic protection of Gyeongbokgung Palace and initiatives to promote traditional craftsmanship among youth, benefiting thousands of children through cultural activities [7].

Core Insights - The event "World Mayors Dialogue in Zhengzhou" focused on balancing cultural heritage protection with urban modernization, attracting around 300 participants from various countries and regions [1][3] Group 1: Cultural Heritage and Urban Development - Zhengzhou is promoting the integration of culture, commerce, and tourism, enhancing its city brand while facilitating the coordinated development of heritage protection and urban renewal [1] - International guests emphasized that urban renewal should not merely involve demolition but should be an organic regeneration guided by cultural continuity, preserving the city's essence while fostering innovation [1][2] Group 2: International Collaboration and Experience Sharing - The event included immersive experiences at significant cultural sites, allowing participants to appreciate the depth of Central Plains civilization and Zhengzhou's dynamic development [3] - Various city representatives expressed a desire to strengthen ties and enhance cooperation in cultural, economic, and trade sectors, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding [3][4] Group 3: Future Development Goals - Zhengzhou's mayor stated the city's commitment to sharing experiences globally, aiming for improved living standards through urban renewal and enhanced governance capabilities [4] - During the forum, Zhengzhou signed friendship agreements with cities from Spain, Ghana, Indonesia, and New Zealand, expanding its international network [4]

Core Viewpoint - Sichuan is actively promoting the protection and utilization of cultural heritage, with a series of conferences and forums aimed at discussing and enhancing cultural heritage preservation and innovation [1][2]. Group 1: Cultural Heritage Protection Initiatives - Sichuan prioritizes cultural heritage protection through systematic legislation, policy support, and talent development, achieving significant progress in recent years [2][3]. - The introduction of laws such as the "Sichuan Provincial World Heritage Protection Regulations" and the "Sichuan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Regulations" has established a comprehensive protection system [2]. - The "Chengdu Model" for cultural heritage protection, which integrates archaeological exploration into land transfer processes, has been recognized as a national innovation [3]. Group 2: Integration with Urban Development - Sichuan is exploring ways to integrate cultural heritage protection with urban construction and economic development, launching pilot projects to support comprehensive heritage protection [3][4]. - The establishment of cultural ecological protection zones aims to balance the preservation of intangible cultural heritage with socio-economic development [4]. Group 3: Cultural Heritage Transmission and Innovation - Sichuan is committed to the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional culture, establishing research institutes and promoting cultural activities to enhance public engagement [5][6]. - The use of digital technologies, such as AR and VR, is being employed to bring cultural heritage to life, enhancing visitor experiences at various cultural sites [6][7]. Group 4: Economic Impact and Tourism Development - Cultural heritage is being transformed into quality tourism resources, with significant revenue generated from ticket sales and cultural products [8]. - In 2024, ticket and cultural product revenues from the Sanxingdui Museum are projected to reach 3.3 billion and 200 million respectively, highlighting the economic potential of cultural heritage [8]. Group 5: Global Cultural Exchange - Sichuan's cultural heritage is being showcased internationally, with events planned in various countries to promote cultural exchange and understanding [9]. - The global reach of Sichuan's cultural products, such as the Zigong Lanterns, demonstrates the province's role in spreading Chinese culture worldwide [9]. Group 6: Future Directions - Sichuan aims to continue enhancing cultural heritage protection efforts, contributing to the province's development and cultural identity [10].

Core Points - The fourth national cultural relics census is a crucial foundational work for continuing the historical context of Chinese culture and promoting high-quality development in the cultural relics sector [1] - The second phase of the census has consolidated previous achievements and expanded the connotation of immovable cultural relics, laying an important foundation for enhancing the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage [1] Group 1 - The meeting emphasized the importance of deepening the understanding and practice of Xi Jinping's cultural thought to enhance the sense of responsibility and mission in conducting the cultural relics census [1] - The third phase of the census will focus on solidifying the results of the previous phases, increasing the discovery of new cultural relics, and promoting systematic protection of cultural heritage [1][2] - The meeting called for public participation and collaboration in the census work, strengthening the workforce of cultural relics protection institutions at all levels [1] Group 2 - The third phase of the national cultural relics census will involve a step-by-step review and acceptance process, legally identifying, registering, and publishing immovable cultural relics [2] - A national directory of immovable cultural relics resources will be established and the results of the census will be made public [2]

Core Points - The Director of UNESCO's East Asia Regional Office emphasized the need for global collaboration in cultural heritage protection during the 2025 China Cultural Tianfu Forum in Chengdu [1][3] - Cultural heritage faces multiple challenges such as urbanization and climate change, but these challenges also present opportunities for innovation through digital technology and artificial intelligence [1][3] - Establishing an ethical framework for digital transformation is crucial to ensure the proper application of technology in cultural heritage preservation [1][3] Summary by Categories Global Collaboration - Cultural heritage protection is a shared responsibility that requires global cooperation, cross-cultural dialogue, and intergenerational transmission [3] - The current complex international situation necessitates a focus on mutual learning and cultural exchange to build trust and promote social progress [3] Role of Technology - Rapid advancements in digital technology and AI provide unprecedented tools for recording, preserving, and disseminating cultural values [1][3] - Digital technologies can revitalize cultural heritage, as exemplified by projects like the Dujiangyan irrigation system, showcasing the innovation and wisdom of Chinese culture [3] Community Involvement - Communities play a critical role in heritage protection, as cultural heritage can empower local communities and foster cultural identity and pride [3] - The aim is to create sustainable models for heritage activation that benefit future generations [3]

Core Viewpoint - The G20 Cultural Working Group Ministerial Meeting concluded in KwaDukuza, South Africa, adopting the KwaDukuza Cultural Declaration, which provides a framework for cooperation among members in areas such as cultural heritage protection, creative industry development, cultural diversity promotion, and international dialogue [1] Group 1: Declaration Highlights - The declaration establishes four priority guiding principles: enhancing cultural heritage protection and restitution, integrating cultural policies with socio-economic strategies, leveraging digital technology for cultural development, and addressing the interplay between culture and climate change [1] - It emphasizes that culture is a key force in bridging social divides, promoting inclusive development, and driving sustainable growth [1] Group 2: Global Cooperation and Policy Recommendations - The declaration calls for strengthened global collaboration to combat the illegal trafficking of cultural property, improvement of national policy frameworks, and increased public investment in the cultural sector to enhance heritage protection and development vitality [1] - It encourages the innovative use of digital technology to transform cultural exchange methods and align cultural policies with socio-economic and climate action strategies, providing insights and solutions for global challenges [1] Group 3: Future Implications - The outcomes of this meeting will be incorporated into the agenda of the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit scheduled for November in Johannesburg [1]

Core Points - During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, Beijing has undertaken over 60 projects for the reinforcement and repair of the Great Wall, restoring more than 20 kilometers of the wall [1] Group 1: Cultural Heritage Protection - Beijing is promoting a "big protection" framework for cultural heritage through the coordinated development of "one city and three belts" [1] - The application of the "Great Wall Culture+" model aims to integrate cultural heritage with modern development [1] Group 2: Research and Management - The city is implementing a research-based restoration model for the Great Wall, incorporating archaeological work throughout the restoration process [1] - Adjustments to the protection scope and construction control zones for the Great Wall are being researched to enhance management [1] Group 3: Tourism Development - Key projects such as the renovation of the Badaling Great Wall scenic area and the China Great Wall Museum are being advanced to create a high-quality cultural tourism brand [1] - The outcomes of the Great Wall protection efforts are intended to benefit regional development and improve people's livelihoods [1] Group 4: Monitoring and Technology - Beijing is establishing a resource information and monitoring platform for the Great Wall, utilizing drones for regular inspections and trialing four-legged robots for enhanced inspection efficiency [1]

Core Insights - The "Digital Technology Revitalization of the Millennium Ancient City" case from Gusu District has been included in the 2025 edition of the "Shanghai Manual," showcasing China's experience in historical and cultural preservation at the World Cities Day Global Conference on Sustainable Urban Development [1] - The conference, co-hosted by UN-Habitat and the Shanghai Municipal Government, took place from October 26 to 27, 2023, and highlighted sustainable development cases from 242 cities globally, including 52 from China [1] Group 1 - The case constructs a closed-loop framework of "platform construction - protection and inheritance - revitalization and utilization," utilizing digital technology for the digital preservation, protection, maintenance, and display of cultural heritage [1] - Gusu District implemented the "Ancient City Cell Dissection Project" in December 2020, achieving over 95% household survey coverage of traditional residences, employing laser scanning and drones to create 3D models of cultural relics [2] - The "CIM+ Digital Twin Ancient City" platform was launched in October 2021, featuring multi-scale modeling with a resolution of 3 cm, integrating cross-departmental resources and supporting applications across 17 municipal and district departments with an average daily data call exceeding 20,000 times [2] Group 2 - The platform enables cross-departmental data sharing, enhancing the precision and efficiency of preservation efforts, and supports multi-temporal displays to aid planning and decision-making [2] - Gusu District has initiated the "Ancient City Protection and Renewal Partner Program," encouraging social capital participation in revitalization projects, such as transforming historical residences into boutique hotels and cultural museums [2] - Future plans include deepening the application of digital technology in health monitoring of ancient buildings, cultural tourism consumption, safety protection, and community elder care, aiming to extend the benefits of digital innovation to more residents and share the "Gusu experience" internationally [3]