The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City Photo: Wu Zongbao
An exhibition themed around the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City was held in Hungary
The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
An aerial view of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City Photo: Jiang Yangbo
By Jin Yingying
July 6 marks the 5th anniversary of the successful World Heritage listing of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City. To celebrate the milestone, the 2024 Hangzhou Liangzhu Day series of events will be grandly held starting in early July.
These events aim to preserve and promote Liangzhu culture, enhance dialogue between Chinese and foreign civilizations, and integrate cultural heritage protection with urban development.
Located in Hangzhou’s Yuhang district, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu (about 3,300-2,300 BCE) reveal an early regional state with a unified belief system based on rice cultivation in Late Neolithic China.
On July 6, 2019, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City were successfully inscribed on the World Heritage List during the 43rd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Azerbaijan, exemplifying the achievements of prehistoric Chinese civilization and contributing to global cultural heritage. In 2020, July 6 was designated as “Hangzhou Liangzhu Day” to be celebrated annually. On June 15, 2023, the flame for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou was successfully ignited at the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, once again drawing global attention to this historic and culturally rich site.
Celebrations of Liangzhu Day
An event titled “Liangzhu and the World: Liangzhu Ancient City · Toledo Ancient City Dialogue Because Chinese and Spanish Civilizations” will take place. On July 6, the main event will be held in Mengqi Town. Attending guests will discuss topics such as innovations and the future of heritage protection, and the relationship between heritage protection and urban development.
Simultaneously, a photography exhibition featuring the Heritage of Spain: In-depth Study of Ancient Civilizations will be held in the Cherry Blossom Courtyard of the Liangzhu Museum, showcasing the diverse heritage of Spain.
More events include a themed dialogue titled “Liangzhu in the Past Five Years”, which will bring together representatives from long-term partner universities, businesses, and organizations to review collaborative achievements, look ahead to the future, and strengthen friendships and cooperation. On July 8, the inauguration ceremony for the Wet Environment Earthen Site Protection Laboratory will be held. This new laboratory will subsequently provide more comprehensive research support for the preservation of the Liangzhu ruins.
On July 9, the themed exhibition “Symphony of Time and Space: World Cultural Heritage in China” and accompanying lectures will be held in the Liangzhu Museum. The exhibition, divided into four sections, will explore the origins and development of China’s participation in the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Conservation Convention and showcase new achievements following the successful World Heritage listing of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City.
Built upon 5,000 years of culture, the diversified art and cultural complex, Liangzhu 5000+ Art and Innovation Park, will officially open on July 12. The park will feature a series of exhibitions and cultural activities.
During the 2024 “Hangzhou Liangzhu Day” series of events, from July 6 to 12, domestic and international visitors can enjoy free admission to the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, Yaoshan Ruins Park, and Laohuling Ruins Park by making a reservation.
Liangzhu and the world
Taking advantage of the “Hangzhou Liangzhu Day” opportunity, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City has previously “dialogued” with Stonehenge in London, UK, and the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
The “Dialogue of Civilizations between Liangzhu Ancient City and the Acropolis of Athens” convened on May 24, marking a continuation of the collaborative efforts that began in July 2023. This gathering in Athens highlighted the enduring cultural connections between the East and the West.
On June 18, the China-Hungary Civilization Dialogue Salon and Liangzhu Culture Promotion Conference was held in Budapest, Hungary. The event was attended by Chinese Embassy Counselor Sun Jie and Director of the Hangzhou Liangzhu Site Management Area Wang Shu, along with over 50 representatives from both countries. Sun Jie emphasized the importance of Liangzhu culture in showcasing ancient Chinese civilization and enhancing Sino-Hungarian relations. Wang Shu highlighted the role of cultural exchanges in enriching and sustaining civilizations. Experts from both nations discussed cultural heritage protection, research, and exchange.
Participants also explored comparative studies of Chinese and Hungarian cultures. The conference included an exhibition themed around the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, which attracted many local visitors. The Liangzhu site, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2019, exemplifies the achievements of prehistoric Chinese civilization and contributes to global cultural heritage.
Liangzhu Forum
calls for logo design
On Dec 3, 2023, the inaugural “Liangzhu Forum” took place in Hangzhou. At this forum, Chinese and international guests engaged in open discussions, promoting dialogue and consensus between Chinese civilization and other civilizations. They aimed to transform the Global Civilization Initiative from a conceptual idea into practical action.
To promote the long-term development of the “Liangzhu Forum” and establish it as a platform for implementing global civilization initiatives and enhancing its international influence, the Liangzhu Forum Organizing Committee has decided to launch a global call for logo design proposals starting on June 30, 2024. The Organizing Committee warmly invites individuals, corporations, and organizations interested in designing the logo for the Liangzhu Forum to contribute their creativity and expertise to this initiative.