Core Viewpoint - The recent Central Urban Work Conference emphasizes urban renewal as a key focus, with high-quality urban updates mandated by the Central Political Bureau, highlighting the importance of protecting and inheriting urban historical culture [1][2]. Group 1: Urban Historical Culture Protection - The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development reports significant improvements in the protection and inheritance of urban historical culture, with 143 national historical and cultural cities, 312 historical towns, and 487 historical villages identified by the end of 2024 [2]. - The "Opinions" document outlines the need for comprehensive surveys of urban cultural heritage resources and strict protection measures for old cities and historical districts, including a prohibition on the arbitrary demolition of valuable historical buildings [3][4]. Group 2: Revitalization through Appropriate Utilization - Experts argue that historical cultural heritage should not be seen as a burden but as a source of urban competitiveness, advocating for appropriate utilization to enhance the functionality of historical cultural districts [5][6]. - Successful case studies, such as the Chongqing Open Port Site Park, demonstrate that revitalization can lead to significant economic benefits, attracting 2 million visitors and providing over 3,000 public services [5]. Group 3: Long-term Mechanisms for Protection and Utilization - The need for sustainable funding sources and management strategies is emphasized to ensure the ongoing vitality of historical cultural districts, with examples like the Enning Road Arcade in Guangzhou showcasing successful public-private partnerships [7][8]. - The Yongxin Ancient City project in Jiangxi illustrates the effectiveness of market-oriented operations and community engagement in enhancing tourism revenue and local employment opportunities [8]. Group 4: Historical Responsibility in Urban Management - Urban managers are urged to take responsibility for protecting historical cultural heritage during urban renewal, ensuring the continuation of cultural narratives and values [9].

Core Points - The meeting held on August 8 focused on reviewing the "Changshu Historical and Cultural City Protection Plan (2025-2035)" [1] - Changshu is recognized as a national historical and cultural city, featuring a unique integration of mountains, water, and urban space, reflecting its rich historical and cultural heritage [2] - The plan aims to implement new requirements for the protection of historical and cultural cities, emphasizing the core concepts of "continuation, diversity, and innovation" [2] Group 1 - The plan will systematically address the protection, development, utilization, and promotion of various historical and cultural heritages [2] - The meeting emphasized the importance of balancing heritage protection with urban development, ensuring that historical areas are updated and utilized while preserving the city's cultural essence [2] - A comprehensive urban and rural historical and cultural protection system will be established to explore the cultural value and spiritual connotations of heritage [2] Group 2 - The meeting also discussed optimizing spatial layout and functional zoning, addressing infrastructure shortcomings, and improving living conditions [2] - There is a focus on identifying and mitigating risks related to geological hazards, urban flooding, and fire safety to maintain urban safety [2] - The meeting was attended by key officials including Vice Mayor Shi Jiahong and members of the municipal government [4]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage protection and the role of supervisory bodies in ensuring effective management and utilization of historical resources [1][2] - Various local disciplinary inspection and supervision agencies are actively monitoring cultural heritage projects, focusing on responsibility allocation, fund usage, and risk identification [1][2][3] - Specific measures have been implemented by different provinces, such as establishing mechanisms for collaboration and oversight, to enhance the effectiveness of cultural heritage protection [2][3] Group 2 - Issues identified in cultural heritage protection include insufficient professional capacity and regulatory gaps, leading to delays in project evaluations and risks of collusion among bidding parties [2] - Local agencies are tightening supervision on key cultural heritage units and projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and timely fund allocation [2][3] - Recommendations for systemic reforms and the establishment of digital platforms for monitoring cultural heritage projects have been proposed to address existing risks and improve management [3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is the official release of the "Beijing Central Axis Protection and Inheritance Three-Year Action Plan (2025-2027)" to enhance the protection of the cultural heritage of the Beijing Central Axis, which was recently included in the World Heritage List [1][2] - The action plan outlines five key areas with 45 specific tasks aimed at promoting the protection of the Beijing Central Axis cultural heritage, including overall protection, management capability enhancement, inheritance and utilization, cultural dissemination, and safeguarding measures [1][2] - By 2027, the plan aims to establish a prominent national cultural relic protection and utilization demonstration zone for the Beijing Central Axis, showcasing its historical features and becoming an important window for cultural exchange [1][2] Group 2 - In the area of enhancing overall protection, the plan includes creating a national cultural relic protection and utilization demonstration zone, restoring historical patterns of heritage sites, and protecting the historical context of the old city [1][2] - The management capability enhancement will involve utilizing monitoring platforms for ongoing heritage monitoring and improving the assessment system for major construction projects' impact on heritage [2] - The plan also emphasizes the importance of public participation, with initiatives such as recruiting 1,000 volunteers for heritage monitoring and creating cultural maps, fostering a new mechanism for heritage protection that involves government leadership and public engagement [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the integration of technology and creativity in the protection of cultural heritage in Zhejiang, particularly focusing on the West Lake, Grand Canal, and various intangible cultural heritages, showcasing a model of sustainable cultural preservation and innovation. Group 1: Cultural Heritage Protection - Zhejiang has achieved a breakthrough in world cultural heritage, with sites like West Lake and the Grand Canal being recognized, alongside 13 projects included in the intangible cultural heritage list [2] - The province boasts 20 historical cultural cities, 94 towns, 218 villages, and over 70,000 immovable cultural relics, indicating a rich cultural heritage landscape [2] Group 2: Technological Empowerment - Digital technology is being utilized in cultural heritage protection, such as AR guides in museums and smart management systems for the Grand Canal, enhancing visitor experience and management efficiency [3][4] - The "Liangzhu Cultural Comprehensive Enhancement Project" has implemented smart applications to monitor environmental conditions at heritage sites, improving management precision [3] Group 3: Major Cultural Projects - The "Chinese Historical Painting Series" project has been ongoing for 20 years, resulting in a comprehensive archive of ancient Chinese paintings, addressing the dual challenge of preservation and accessibility [6][7] - The project has produced 64 volumes and 244 books, creating the most extensive documentation of ancient Chinese art [6] Group 4: Intangible Cultural Heritage - Zhejiang leads the nation with 241 national intangible cultural heritage projects and 271 representative inheritors, reflecting a strong commitment to preserving traditional crafts [8] - Local initiatives encourage young artisans to engage in heritage protection, fostering a new generation of craftsmen [8] Group 5: Creative Cultural Development - Young creators in Zhejiang are innovating within the cultural sector, developing new products and experiences that blend traditional crafts with modern consumer interests [10] - The integration of local culture with creative industries is being promoted through various initiatives, enhancing cultural tourism and community engagement [10]

Core Viewpoint - The recently approved "Guangzhou Historical and Cultural City Protection Plan (2021-2035)" aims to enhance the preservation and utilization of historical and cultural heritage in Guangzhou, with a focus on revitalizing the city while maintaining its historical essence [1][2]. Group 1: Funding and Support Mechanisms - Guangzhou has successfully secured a central budget investment of 510 million yuan for cultural preservation projects, which will be used for the restoration of historical buildings, improvement of living environments, and enhancement of infrastructure [1]. - The city has implemented a subsidy program for historical building repairs, providing a minimum annual subsidy of 8,000 yuan per site and a maximum of 1 million yuan per repair project [2]. Group 2: Planning and Implementation - The "Protection Plan" serves as a top-level design document for historical and cultural preservation in Guangzhou, integrating planning with project implementation to ensure effective memory retention and community engagement [2]. - The plan emphasizes a comprehensive protection system that includes both cultural and natural heritage, aiming for a holistic approach to urban planning that encompasses various elements such as mountains, rivers, and urban areas [3]. Group 3: Community Involvement and Public Participation - The planning process involved extensive consultation with government, residents, and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment for heritage protection [4]. - Initiatives like the "Guangzhou City Guardian" program encourage volunteer participation and the formation of social organizations to support historical and cultural preservation efforts [4].

Core Points - The "Western Xia Tombs" have been officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, increasing China's total number of World Heritage Sites to 60 [2][21] - The Western Xia Tombs represent a significant cultural heritage site that reflects the multi-ethnic integration and cultural exchanges during the Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227 AD) [7][15] Summary by Sections Heritage Significance - The Western Xia Tombs are the largest and best-preserved archaeological remains from the Western Xia period, providing evidence of multi-ethnic integration and cultural exchanges in northern China during the 11th to 13th centuries [10][11] - The site includes 9 imperial tombs, 271 accompanying graves, and various architectural and flood control relics, covering a total area of 44,468.5 hectares [9][10] Architectural Features - The layout of the tombs follows a centralized design, with a symmetrical arrangement that incorporates elements from Tang and Song dynasties, as well as Buddhist and local customs [12][13] - The architectural features include various types such as tomb cities, moon cities, and steles, showcasing a blend of cultural influences and construction techniques [13][15] Cultural Exchange - The Western Xia Tombs serve as a testament to the Western Xia Dynasty's role as a cultural and economic hub along the Silk Road, facilitating exchanges between the Central Plains and the western regions [15][16] - Artifacts discovered at the site, including over 7,100 movable cultural relics, highlight the integration of Western Xia culture with that of the Central Plains, particularly in architecture and textile production [16][17] Preservation Efforts - The UNESCO World Heritage Committee praised the Chinese government's efforts in protecting and managing the Western Xia cultural heritage, noting the effective monitoring systems and legal frameworks in place [18][19] - The preservation journey of the Western Xia Tombs has undergone several phases, from initial discovery in 1972 to the successful application for World Heritage status in 2025 [20][21] Future Directions - The successful listing as a World Heritage Site marks a new beginning for the Western Xia Tombs, with plans to enhance research, community involvement, and sustainable development [20][21] - The focus will be on improving the management of cultural relics and promoting the significance of Western Xia culture within the broader context of Chinese civilization [20]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the progress and achievements of China in the protection and management of world cultural and natural heritage over the past 40 years, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage in promoting national identity and international cultural exchange [3][5][6]. Summary by Sections Achievements in Heritage Protection - China has significantly increased its number of world heritage sites, reaching a total of 60 by 2025, positioning itself among the leaders globally [3]. - The protection and management systems for cultural heritage have been improved, including the establishment of legal frameworks and management structures [5][6]. - A practical world cultural heritage monitoring system has been created, providing data support for heritage protection decisions since its launch in 2014 [6]. Public Engagement and Community Involvement - The application for heritage status has led to increased public awareness and participation in heritage protection efforts [5]. - Local communities are actively involved in the development of tourism around heritage sites, enhancing their income and employment opportunities [7]. Sustainable Development and Integration - The article stresses the need for sustainable development in heritage protection, integrating economic, environmental, and social aspects [7][11]. - It emphasizes that heritage protection should not only focus on technical aspects but also on social dimensions, ensuring that it benefits humanity as a whole [7][11]. Challenges and Recommendations - There are ongoing challenges in balancing heritage protection with development, particularly in addressing issues of disaster prevention and climate change [12][14]. - Recommendations include enhancing legislative frameworks, improving management capabilities, and utilizing advanced technologies for heritage protection [10][12][14]. Future Directions - The article calls for a shift from quantity to quality in heritage management, focusing on comprehensive value realization and public service [11][14]. - It advocates for a holistic approach to heritage utilization, ensuring that protection and use are complementary rather than opposing [13][14].

Group 1: Digital Transformation in Cultural Heritage - The Dazhu Stone Carvings, recognized as a world cultural heritage site, are being revitalized through digital technology, enhancing their accessibility and engagement [1][3] - The Dazhu Stone Carvings Research Institute has established an 8K digital cinema, allowing immersive experiences that showcase the artistic beauty of the carvings [3][4] - A total of 75 cultural heritage sites have been digitally documented, creating a comprehensive digital archive and promoting a "smart scenic area" through AI and cloud computing technologies [3][4] Group 2: Smart Manufacturing in Yongchuan - Yongchuan is experiencing significant industrial upgrades through smart technology, with a focus on the automotive and film industries [5][6] - The Yongchuan Big Data Industrial Park features advancements in autonomous driving and a virtual filming system that enhances creative possibilities in the film sector [5][6] - At Great Wall Motors' Chongqing plant, intelligent automation has led to a production rate of one vehicle every 72 seconds, generating a revenue of 200 million yuan every three days [5][6][7] Group 3: International Collaboration and Market Expansion - Local business leaders express intentions to promote Yongchuan's unique products in international markets, particularly in South Africa, highlighting the region's technological advancements [5][6] - The transformation in Yongchuan's manufacturing sector is expected to enhance product development and quality control, aligning with international market demands [7]

Group 1 - The 47th World Heritage Conference recognized the "Hangzhou Urban Studies Project for World Heritage Protection" as the "Exploration Star Award" for the 2025 Global World Heritage Education Innovation Case Award, selected from over 150 global entries [1] - The conference focused on the integration of heritage education and technological innovation, establishing a global network for heritage education innovation [1][2] - The award is a recognition of the city's efforts in promoting urban renewal and cultural heritage education, aligning with national urban work conference directives [2] Group 2 - The city has developed a comprehensive research network for world heritage protection, including the establishment of various research centers and the publication of over 700 volumes related to Hangzhou's cultural heritage [2] - Future plans include deepening international cooperation and providing replicable "Chinese solutions" for global heritage education, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development for heritage sites [3]