Liangzhu–Samarkand Heritage Dialogue Strengthens China-Uzbekistan Cultural Cooperation
A cross-civilization dialogue between China’s Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City and Uzbekistan’s historic city of Samarkand has reinforced cultural ties and cooperation in heritage preservation.
Held in Hangzhou on July 6 as part of the «Liangzhu and the World» programme, the event brought together more than 100 participants from China and Uzbekistan. Experts discussed UNESCO World Heritage conservation, archaeological research, heritage management, digital technologies and the integration of culture with tourism.
The dialogue marked the first partnership between the «Liangzhu and the World» initiative and an Asian UNESCO World Heritage site. Participants also explored opportunities for closer collaboration on archaeological research, earthen-site conservation and the application of digital tools, including AI-powered technologies, in heritage management.
Ahead of the forum, the Uzbek delegation visited the Liangzhu archaeological site and its World Heritage monitoring centre to learn about China’s conservation practices. Samarkand Deputy Mayor Farhod Nishonov said the city’s authorities plan to draw on Liangzhu’s experience while expanding joint exhibitions, tourism initiatives and youth exchange programmes through the sister-city relationship between Samarkand and Hangzhou.
