China Meets Italy: Liangzhu and Rome Forge New Paths for Cultural Exchange and Sustainable Development

Published on July 11, 2025

The fascinating intersection of Eastern and Western civilizations is being brought to life through the cultural dialogue between two ancient cities: Liangzhu in Zhejiang Province (China) and Rome in Italy. Recently, these two rich historical cities came together to explore shared experiences in urban development, heritage preservation, and sustainable architecture. This meeting, held on July 6, 2025, during Hangzhou Liangzhu Day, marks a significant milestone in cross-cultural exchanges. Delegates from both nations, including experts, archaeologists, and cultural leaders, gathered in Liangzhu to engage in meaningful discussions that transcend time, forging a path forward for future cooperation in cultural heritage.

Both Liangzhu and Rome are not merely relics of the past. They represent living laboratories for urban planning, heritage preservation, and sustainability, serving as models for modern-day cities striving to balance progress with historical conservation. This partnership highlights how ancient wisdom can inform present-day challenges, offering valuable insights into urban design, environmental harmony, and the use of technology in preserving cultural treasures. Whether it’s through innovative archaeological techniques or sustainable construction practices, these cities’ legacies continue to inspire and guide contemporary urban development.

With a focus on mutual understanding and shared wisdom, this dialogue promises to spark new approaches to both heritage protection and future city building, offering a global blueprint for future cultural exchanges. Here, we explore the key takeaways from the event and its broader implications for tourism, heritage, and sustainable development.

Liangzhu and Rome: Symbols of Ancient Urban Mastery

Both Liangzhu and Rome stand as symbols of extraordinary urban achievements from their respective regions, with each city’s history offering valuable lessons in urban planning, resource management, and cultural preservation. As focal points for the recent dialogue, they reflect the distinct yet complementary aspects of Eastern and Western civilizations.

1. Liangzhu’s Harmonization with Nature
   The Liangzhu Ruins, located in Hangzhou, China, offer a striking example of early urban civilization blending seamlessly with its natural environment. The city was renowned for its advanced agricultural practices and irrigation systems, which are thought to have been among the first to utilize water systems for urban management. The city’s spatial layout is rooted in a philosophy of harmony with nature, where sustainable practices governed urban living. These techniques are being revisited in modern-day urban planning as cities across the globe strive for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions.
2. Rome’s Engineering Excellence
   In contrast, Rome’s ancient innovations in engineering, particularly in water management, are legendary. The city’s use of aqueducts and complex systems for water supply and sanitation revolutionized urban living during its time, influencing modern civil engineering. The Romans’ mastery over architecture and infrastructure has left an indelible mark on the city planning and construction methods used in the Western world.

Both cities, while rooted in vastly different geographic and cultural contexts, share commonalities in their approach to urban development—an aspect underscored during the July 6 dialogue.

The Dialogue: A Cross-Cultural Exchange on Urbanism and Heritage

The Liangzhu-Rome dialogue served as a dynamic platform for fostering global cooperation and knowledge-sharing on critical themes of cultural preservation and urban sustainability. Over 110 delegates, including experts from Italy’s National Tourist Board (ENIT) and University of Rome Tor Vergata, participated in discussions that ranged from the application of advanced technologies in heritage preservation to sustainable construction practices inspired by ancient civilizations. This event underscores the growing importance of international dialogue in the realm of cultural heritage protection and urban development.

Key discussions focused on:

• Innovative Preservation Techniques
  The application of virtual reality and 3D technology to recreate ancient sites and minimize physical contact with cultural heritage was one of the standout topics. These innovations, which allow for enhanced interaction with historical landmarks, offer a futuristic way to preserve fragile cultural treasures while maintaining public access.
• Shared Wisdom in City-Building
  Both cities’ approaches to environmentally sustainable urban development provide critical lessons for today’s cities. As Cristiano Varotti, chief representative of ENIT, mentioned, identifying common ground between Liangzhu and Rome allows for the exchange of ideas on future urban construction, helping both sides address modern-day global challenges like climate change, overpopulation, and rapid urbanization.
• Conservation Efforts and Global Collaboration
  Experts noted that effective conservation requires collaboration and the application of cutting-edge technologies to both preserve and present cultural heritage. The efforts to safeguard Liangzhu’s archaeological remains and Rome’s ancient ruins serve as models for cities worldwide, proving that preservation and development are not mutually exclusive.

Global Reach: The Expanding Influence of Liangzhu’s Cultural Legacy

In recent years, Liangzhu has significantly expanded its international cultural dialogue. Through initiatives such as the “Journey Through Civilizations” global touring exhibition, Liangzhu culture has reached numerous countries, including Greece, Cuba, and Brazil. These global exchanges, where Liangzhu has shared its insights into heritage protection and cultural preservation, emphasize the need for greater international collaboration.

One of the most notable achievements is the Liangzhu Overseas Jade Database, a resource designed to promote understanding and appreciation of the region’s ancient craftsmanship and cultural significance. This initiative plays a crucial role in furthering the globalization of cultural heritage and increasing awareness of the value of preserving these ancient civilizations for future generations.

The Future of Cultural Heritage and Urban Development

The dialogue between Liangzhu and Rome is not just a celebration of the past but a forward-looking initiative that seeks to shape the future of cultural heritage and urban development. By leveraging technological innovations like virtual reality, 3D modeling, and big data, the cities are pioneering new ways to protect their legacies while addressing the challenges posed by modern development. These technologies not only enhance the preservation of cultural artifacts but also allow for a deeper connection with the past for future generations.

Additionally, the focus on sustainability and environmental harmony as guiding principles for urban growth is gaining global traction. Cities today face pressing challenges such as environmental degradation, unsustainable resource management, and the loss of cultural identity. The examples set by Liangzhu and Rome demonstrate how ancient wisdom can inform contemporary solutions, urging cities to consider eco-friendly approaches to modern urbanization.

Conclusion: Bridging Civilizations for a Sustainable Future

The cultural dialogue between Liangzhu and Rome serves as a powerful reminder that preserving the past is integral to shaping a sustainable future. Through shared learning, the two cities have reaffirmed their role as cultural beacons, guiding the global community toward a more harmonious relationship between heritage and urban development. As cities worldwide continue to grow, the lessons drawn from Liangzhu’s environmental wisdom and Rome’s engineering brilliance will likely play a key role in shaping urban landscapes for years to come.