Chongqing - On September 25, the Forum for Yangtze River Civilizations took place at the Chongqing Yuelai International Conference Center in Southwest China's Chongqing. This national forum is the only provincial-level platform focusing on civilization and culture along the Yangtze River, which spans 13 provinces and municipalities.

On September 25, the Forum for Yangtze River Civilizations took place at the Chongqing Yuelai International Conference Center in Southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo/The event organizer)

As a key event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the forum centered on the theme "Cultural Construction of the Yangtze River and High-Quality Development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt." It aims to protect, inherit, and promote Yangtze culture while strengthening cultural confidence and continuity. The forum served as an academic exchange platform, gathering insights to safeguard and elevate Yangtze culture.

Fifteen renowned experts delivered speeches on various topics, including how culture can facilitate high-quality development in the Yangtze Economic Belt, the creation of cultural and artistic works, and the preservation of historical heritage in urban and rural development. 

On September 25, the Forum for Yangtze River Civilizations took place at the Chongqing Yuelai International Conference Center in Southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo/The event organizer)

Dai Bin, President of the China Tourism Research Institute, emphasized the goal of activating the Yangtze River's rich historical and cultural resources, advocating for it to become a model for world-class cultural tourism routes.

Qin Xuan, Dean of the Academy of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Renmin University, highlighted the significance of the Yangtze culture as a vital part of Chinese civilization, embodying continuity, innovation, unity, inclusiveness, and peace—essential characteristics that warrant deep understanding and innovation.

Wang Zhenzhong, Deputy Director of the Historical Department at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, discussed the integration of culture and tourism, suggesting that it should align with the development of the Yangtze National Cultural Park. 

Fan Yun,  Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Central Radio and Television Station, stated that the media organization has 80 languages for communication, over 700 million overseas new media followers, and partnerships with 3,200 overseas media outlets. "We will collaborate with local governments, think tanks, and enterprises to share resources and build platforms, enhancing the international promotion of Yangtze culture and creating a powerful narrative."

Fan Yun,  Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Central Radio and Television Station. (Photo/The event organizer)

Chongqing aims to further enhance the brand of the "Forum for Yangtze River Civilizations" by deepening research into the origins, development, and contemporary significance of Yangtze culture. The city will also increase surveys of cultural heritage along the river and prioritize the protection of cultural assets in both urban and rural settings. This initiative seeks to emphasize the unique features of the metropolis and the spirit of its cultural cities, with plans to establish several historical and cultural cities, towns, villages, and districts.

Moreover, Chongqing will strengthen exchanges and collaborative learning with provinces and cities along the Yangtze River, including Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, and Shanghai. The aim is to enhance resource sharing and integration while promoting the development of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park and the Yangtze River Cultural Tourism Belt. These efforts are designed to comprehensively protect and showcase Yangtze culture, injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.