Chongqing — The Nile and Yangtze rivers gave rise to two ancient civilizations, shaping agriculture, transport and settlement while also exposing communities to the risks of flooding. Over centuries, people along both rivers developed ways to understand, monitor and respond to their changing waters.

Cairo's Raoudha Nilometer and Chongqing’s Baiheliang Ancient Hydrological Inscription offer two examples of this early knowledge. Both preserve records of river levels and reflect the efforts of ancient societies to understand their natural environment.

At the 2026 Yangtze River Civilization Forum in Chongqing, Ahmed Rehema, assistant to the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, spoke about the connections between the two civilizations and the importance of archaeological heritage in preserving knowledge from the past. Experts from more than 20 countries took part in exchanges on rivers, heritage and new forms of collaboration.

These historical links are reflected in a growing range of projects between Egypt and China. Joint archaeological work is underway at the Montu Temple in Luxor, while a Chinese archaeological mission is working at Mit Rahina in Giza, part of the Memphite Necropolis. The two countries are also developing joint work in maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage, including plans for a China-Egypt Center for Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage in Alexandria.

The two countries have also signed a memorandum of understanding for the joint nomination of Cairo's Raoudha Nilometer and the Baiheliang Ancient Hydrological Inscription in Fuling, Chongqing. The initiative brings together two sites linked by the ancient study of water levels and reflects a broader exchange of knowledge in hydrological heritage.

With 70 years of diplomatic relations behind them, Egypt and China are drawing on their ancient heritage to deepen ties in archaeology, cultural heritage and professional exchange.