Liangzhu and Samarkand Hold Dialogue to Foster Mutual Learning

The archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City in China and the historic city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan held a dialogue on July 6 to promote mutual learning and cultural exchanges. The event, part of the "Liangzhu and the World" program, convened over 100 participants from China and Uzbekistan at the Liangzhu archaeological site in Hangzhou.

Discussions centered on heritage values, conservation, management, and revitalization strategies. Liangzhu's archaeological ruins, discovered in 1936, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019. Samarkand, a historical Silk Road hub, was inscribed in 2001.

This dialogue marked the first time the "Liangzhu and the World" program partnered with another Asian World Heritage site. The event aimed to strengthen cooperation in archaeological research, heritage conservation, and the integration of culture and tourism between China and Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek delegation visited Liangzhu, observing its comprehensive heritage conservation approach and digital technologies. Farhod Nishonov, Deputy Mayor of Samarkand, praised Liangzhu's systematic conservation model, stating it offers valuable experience for Samarkand's management.

Yang Xiaoping, deputy director of the Liangzhu Archaeological City Ruins Management Committee, expressed the hope to share Liangzhu's conservation experiences and learn from Central Asian cities. He added that the dialogue aims to bring the peoples of both countries closer through these shared heritage sites.