Shanxi hosts dialogue on global heritage

The 2026 International Cultural Heritage Protection Week, held in the ancient city of Yuci, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, convened diplomats, academics, and cultural heritage experts from around the world under the theme "Unity for Prosperity, Heritage for Eternity." The event marked a significant focal point for global cultural exchange and discussion on safeguarding heritage.

Shanxi boasts a rich tapestry of cultural sites, including well-preserved wooden structures from the Tang Dynasty, considered vital to China's historical legacy. The week featured an opening ceremony, a light sculpture exhibition, and immersive experiences in intangible cultural heritage. Dedicated discussions addressed the role of youth in heritage preservation and innovative approaches to international cultural outreach.

Speakers, including Md. Nazmul Islam, Bangladesh's ambassador to China, and Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, a professor of international law at Brazil's Fluminense Federal University, highlighted Shanxi's status as a cradle of Chinese civilization. They noted that sites like the Yungang Grottoes represent a shared spiritual heritage for all humanity.

A concurrent tour, "Discovering Shanxi's Ancient Chinese Architecture," showcased the groundbreaking discovery of Tang Dynasty wooden architecture from 1937. Participants examined tangible historical evidence, including Tang Dynasty stone columns and interior murals. Digital technologies brought ancient monuments to life, offering immersive virtual explorations of structures like the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda to highlight intricate details.

Mian Abrar Hussain, a senior journalist from Pakistan Today, observed that China's use of virtual reality and immersive digital environments provides a replicable model for global heritage conservation and presentation. The event underscored the importance of international collaboration and innovative methods for preserving cultural heritage for future generations.