Liangzhu, an archaeological site in East China rich in cultural heritage, is emerging as a key platform for China’s dialogue with world civilizations, the Liangzhu Museum director said at a cultural forum in Macao.
Addressing the 2025 International Forum on Mutual Learning Among Civilizations on Tuesday, Xu Tianjin said that both Macao and Liangzhu are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Despite their many differences, they both represent the achievements of cultural exchange and integration, he said.
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Located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Liangzhu is renowned for its late neolithic civilization dating back over 5,000 years, including its impressive early city planning and exquisite jade artifacts. It serves as an important gateway in understanding the origins and development of Chinese civilization.
Xu, who is also a professor at the School of Archaeology and Museology at Peking University, said that as a key platform for China to implement the Global Civilization Initiative it proposed, the Liangzhu Forum has been held three consecutive times since 2023, with each edition focusing on different themes.
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Hangzhou has also designated July 6 each year, the anniversary of Liangzhu's successful application for UNESCO World Heritage status, as "Liangzhu Day" to promote the culture.
Through a series of activities, Liangzhu has engaged in civilizational dialogues with the Acropolis of Athens in Greece, the historic city of Toledo in Spain, the ancient city of Rome in Italy, as well as and representatives from multiple countries, creating a bridge for dialogue among world heritage sites and fostering international cultural exchange, Xu said.
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He added that the museum is actively preparing for a grand exhibition next year, which will mark Liangzhu culture’s 90th anniversary of its discovery. Some important Liangzhu jade artifacts scattered overseas are expected to be showcased at the exhibition.
Xu said he believes that cultural exchanges can eliminate barriers and reduce conflicts, calling for a commitment to equitable dialogue to promote harmonious coexistence in human society.
