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Experts and scholars from Milan, Italy, and Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province discussed how to better protect Hangzhou's world heritage sites and promote the city's internationalization, local media reported on Sept 6.

Hangzhou and Milan share many similarities, namely a strong regional economy, abundant historical and cultural resources, a trend-setting fashion industry, and a well-developed tourism industry, according to Chen Yongfu, vice president of Hangzhou Normal University.

"There is a lot of room for bilateral cooperation," said Chen, "international exchanges can be carried out between both universities and industries.”

Hangzhou's heritage protection bureaus reported their progress in restoring Hangzhou's three world heritage sites, including the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City, which date back 5,300 years and were inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list on July 6.

Scholars from Italy delivered speeches and described Milan's experiences in protecting and promoting world heritages.

Hangzhou is one of the seven ancient capitals of China and was called "the most graceful and splendid city in the world" by Italian traveler Marco Polo.