The 7th World Ancient Capitals Forum focuses on the integration of ancient capital protection and urban renewal

China News Service, Luoyang, Henan, October 10 (Wang Jianing) The 7th World Ancient Capital Forum opened in Luoyang, Henan on the 10th. Foreign representatives from 12 countries and regions and representatives from 10 ancient capital cities in China focused on topics such as the new charm of ancient capitals to jointly explore the integration path of ancient capital cultural heritage protection and urban renewal.

The forum, hosted by the Henan Provincial Government, has the theme of "Ancient Capital·New Rhythm". During the meeting, foreign representatives participating in the meeting shared their experiences in revitalizing and utilizing cultural heritage in ancient capitals in their respective countries. They pointed out that ancient capitals around the world carry diverse wisdom in the revitalization and utilization of cultural heritage, and they also look forward to finding "Chinese experience" between cultural heritage protection and urban development.

At the forum, Tarek Rashed Mohammed, governor of Sohag Province in Egypt, called for strengthening exchanges and mutual learning between ancient capital cities and strengthening cooperation with China in cultural heritage protection, archaeological research, urban renewal and other aspects.

On the evening of October 9, in Luoyang, Henan, the "2026 World Mayors Dialogue·Luoyang" and the 7th World Ancient Capitals Forum held an entry ceremony at Yingtianmen of Luoyang City in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, welcoming guests at home and abroad with the Tang Dynasty ceremony. Photo by Deng Xiaoqiang

As a well-known ancient capital of thirteen dynasties at home and abroad, Luoyang has many ruins, a large area and concentrated distribution. The cultural relics area accounts for 52% of the main urban area. In recent years, Luoyang has built a number of new urban cultural landmarks through measures such as "archaeological pre-positioning" and "one site, one policy", allowing the protection of the ancient capital and urban development to coexist harmoniously, and driving the entire cultural tourism industry to shine. In 2025, Luoyang will receive 158 million tourists and tourism revenue will exceed 128.5 billion yuan.

Foreign representatives attending the meeting believed that Luoyang's concept of "development while protecting, and innovation while inheriting" coincides with the pursuit of many countries to protect local ancient civilizations and explore innovative development of cultural tourism. For example, the city of Yangon, Myanmar, has systematically registered historical buildings and hung blue commemorative signs on 36 important historical sites; Uzbekistan has simultaneously improved urban infrastructure while repairing the Amir Tura Seminary and the Hassan Murad Kushbej Mosque. (over)