The Second Liangzhu Forum was held in Hangzhou from Nov 25 to 27. Photo: Chen Zhongqiu
By Jin Yingying
On Nov 25, more than 300 archaeologists, writers, and musicians from over 60 countries and regions gathered in Liangzhu for the Second Liangzhu Forum, which officially opened under the theme “Exchange and Mutual Learning for a New Model of Human Advancement”.
The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, located in Hangzhou’s Yuhang district, are recognized as evidence of Chinese civilization dating back at least 5,000 years. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019.
New archaeological results to
find the origin of Liangzhu culture
Before the Second Liangzhu Forum, the National Cultural Heritage Administration held a key briefing in Hangzhou, presenting major findings from the “Archaeological China” initiative. Among the highlights was progress on the “Civilization Patterns of the Lower Yangtze River Region” project, which provides crucial insights into the origins and development of Liangzhu culture.
According to Wang Ningyuan, a researcher at the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, the region experienced significant social transformations around 6,000 years ago. During this period, complex societies began to emerge, with central settlements like Lingjiatan and Dongshancun marking the first phase of the “Ancient State Era”. Around 5,300 years ago, the Liangzhu civilization flourished, ushering in the second phase of the “Ancient State Era”, during which the Lower Yangtze region saw unprecedented social and cultural advancements.
“Liangzhu City was a hub of extraordinary influence and complexity,” Wang stated. Recent archaeological evidence shows that both the population and resources of Liangzhu were drawn from a wide geographical area.
Voices from the forum
By integrating historical perspectives with a global outlook, the forum focused on key areas like cultural heritage, literature, and music, aiming to deepen theoretical research on civilizational exchange and mutual learning, explore practical pathways, chart collaborative directions, and build a consensus among cultural communities worldwide to jointly advance the Global Civilization Initiative.
In addition to the opening ceremony and main forum, this year’s event featured three parallel forums: dialogues between Chinese and international writers, archaeologists, and musicians. Furthermore, three complementary activities were held, including academic exhibitions and discussions on “A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings”, a Liangzhu-themed cultural music concert, and the Zhejiang Historical Classics Industry Exhibition.
Rooted in China’s 5,000-year civilization, the forum aimed to integrate Liangzhu’s archaeological legacy with global perspectives. Discussions explored cultural heritage, literature, and music, fostering international collaboration and advancing theories on cultural exchange and mutual learning.
During the International Archaeologists Dialogue--The Light of Civilization on Nov 26, the Liangzhu International Archaeological Center was officially unveiled, aiming to foster interdisciplinary and cross-field cooperation between Liangzhu and internationally renowned archaeological institutions.
A comprehensive collection of
ancient Chinese paintings
Notably, the newly established Liangzhu Museum of A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings opened its doors to the public, marking its debut with a groundbreaking exhibition titled Compiling the Classics in a Flourishing Era: The Song Dynasty Painting Exhibition. This inaugural showcase features milestone records, key documents, and over 1,600 color-proof manuscripts of Song Dynasty paintings, offering visitors an unprecedented glimpse into the artistic splendor of the era.
The “Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings” is a monumental project that spans centuries and crosses continents. The project aims to recreate pre-Qin to Tang Dynasty artworks, as well as Ming and Qing era masterpieces, in unparalleled clarity and detail. The compendium has taken nearly two decades to compile, incorporating 12,405 works from 263 museums and cultural institutions worldwide. This includes 9,155 pieces from domestic collections and 3,250 from overseas institutions, covering nearly all of China’s surviving “national treasure” paintings.
With 60 volumes and 226 books, the series includes comprehensive collections such as The Complete Works of Pre-Qin, Han, and Tang Paintings and The Complete Works of Song Paintings.
A standout feature of the exhibition is a twofold magnification of the iconic Song Dynasty scroll Thousand Miles of Mountains and Rivers by Wang Ximeng, enhanced with immersive lighting effects. Visitors can explore the masterpiece in extraordinary detail, thanks to advanced digital technology that captures the vast landscapes in breathtaking clarity.
Following its grand opening, the archive will remain open to the public, hosting regular exhibitions and cultural education events to inspire future generations and promote artistic appreciation.
Hangzhou extends an invitation to the world
As the Second Liangzhu Forum commenced, Hangzhou extended a global invitation to experience the rich tapestry of Chinese history and culture.
Hangzhou is reaching out to the world with a campaign themed “Hangzhou, a Window to China’s 5,000-Year Civilization”, launching culture-sharing activities in New York, Toronto, London, Brisbane, and other cities among international students, to showcase its rich historical and cultural heritage alongside its modern, international identity.
These activities seamlessly blend elements of Liangzhu culture, Grand Canal history, and West Lake’s charm, offering an immersive cultural experience. Through vivid storytelling and artistic expression, they not only celebrate Hangzhou’s profound history but also showcase how its traditional culture is integrated seamlessly with contemporary life.
A key aspect of the initiative is its focus on engagement. International students and audiences are invited to share their personal impressions of Hangzhou through photos, videos, or written narratives. Using social media like Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube, participants can use tag #5000YearsHangzhou @Hangzhoufeel to join the conversation, fostering interaction between Chinese and international students while sparking global interest in Hangzhou’s cultural identity.
Hangzhou residents are also encouraged to extend this invitation to their overseas friends and relatives, leave a message on the Hangzhoufeel WeChat public account, or send an email to hangzhoufeel@126.com, nominating suitable “5000 Years” travel group members. We will select approximately 10 individuals to join us next spring for a journey through 5,000 years of civilization in the city.