Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of protecting and utilizing cultural heritage, particularly literary heritage, to serve society and engage the public, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to ensure these legacies remain relevant and impactful [1][2]. Group 1: Cultural Heritage Significance - Literary heritage is described as the "memory film" of Chinese civilization, embodying humanity's eternal pursuit of art, faith, and peace, and is recognized as a shared treasure of all humanity [2]. - China has 18 items listed in the "Memory of the World Register," showcasing the depth and uniqueness of Chinese civilization, from oracle bones to traditional medical texts [2]. - These literary heritages serve as threads connecting the history of the Chinese nation, providing insights and inspiration for human civilization's progress [2]. Group 2: Protection and Utilization Efforts - The article calls for a deeper exploration of the cultural value of literary heritage and emphasizes the need for effective protection and utilization strategies to bring these legacies closer to the public [2][3]. - Examples of innovative practices include the creation of a national opera based on overseas Chinese letters and immersive exhibitions using virtual reality technology to promote cultural heritage [3]. - The "Memory of the World" projects facilitate cultural dialogue, exemplified by the historical connections between China and Sri Lanka through the inscription on the Buddhist temple stele [3]. Group 3: Future Directions - The article advocates for a dual approach of preserving cultural heritage while actively engaging with contemporary society to create new narratives and stories [4]. - It stresses the importance of understanding the past to navigate the future, ensuring that cultural heritage continues to shine in modern contexts [4].

Core Viewpoint - The successful inclusion of the Shaolin Temple Stele (566-1990) in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register highlights the cultural significance and historical value of this artifact, representing a unique aspect of Chinese heritage and its global interactions [2][4]. Group 1: Significance of the Shaolin Temple Stele - The Shaolin Temple Stele is recognized for its dual attributes as both a cultural relic and an archival document, making it a vital part of civilization's transmission [4]. - It serves as a valuable physical historical material for studying Chinese traditional culture, reflecting the dialogue and exchange of world civilizations [2][3]. - The stele's inscriptions, which include multiple languages and records from foreign monks, provide a comprehensive view of the cultural and religious exchanges at Shaolin Temple over 1424 years [2][4]. Group 2: UNESCO Memory of the World Register - The Memory of the World Register aims to protect humanity's shared memory heritage, focusing on documents preserved in archives, museums, and libraries [4]. - The selection process is highly competitive, with each country allowed to submit only two entries every two years, emphasizing the high standards and limited slots available [2]. - The Shaolin Temple Stele's inclusion is seen as a result of strong governmental support and the unique value it holds in representing historical interactions across various domains such as politics, economy, and culture [2][4]. Group 3: Future Initiatives - The recognition is viewed as a starting point for the protection and utilization of archival heritage, with plans to enhance the Shaolin cultural database and promote global access to its resources [5]. - Efforts will be made to showcase representative pieces of the stele in bilingual formats to enhance cultural tourism and international influence [5].

Core Points - The UNESCO World Memory International Register has officially included the "Zenghouyi Chime Bells" and "Shaolin Temple Stele" as well as the joint application with Sri Lanka for the "Buddhist Temple Stele" project, bringing China's total to 18 entries in the register [1][11][12] Group 1: Zenghouyi Chime Bells - The Zenghouyi Chime Bells, discovered in 1978, consist of 65 pieces and are recognized as the most numerous and best-preserved bronze musical instruments in the world [3][5] - The chime bells are inscribed with 3,755 characters, making them not only a national treasure but also a valuable documentary heritage that records ancient music knowledge from the 5th century BC [5][7] - The inscriptions provide insights into ancient Chinese music theory and practices, including a unique dual-tone system and a comprehensive music theory framework [9][12] Group 2: Shaolin Temple Stele - The Shaolin Temple Stele, located in Henan Province, is recognized for its historical significance, documenting the temple's evolution as a center of Zen Buddhism and martial arts [11][12] - The stele collection includes 499 pieces that reflect a wide range of historical information, showcasing the temple's role in political, economic, religious, and cultural contexts [12][14] - The inscriptions also serve as evidence of cultural exchanges between China and Japan during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, highlighting the importance of the Shaolin Temple in historical cross-cultural interactions [14][16] Group 3: UNESCO World Memory Project - The UNESCO World Memory Project aims to protect and promote documentary heritage of significant value to communities and cultures worldwide [7][18] - China has established a national-level memory register, with 198 items recognized, including traditional music recordings and ancient texts, enhancing the global understanding of Chinese history and culture [16][18] - The project emphasizes the importance of utilizing and promoting these heritage items, with initiatives like VR experiences to engage the public and enhance cultural appreciation [22]