The first Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Integration Academic Exchange event is held on June 21 in Gongshu district, Hangzhou. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Grand Canal's inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Integration Academic Exchange event was held on June 21 in Gongshu district, Hangzhou.

Experts and scholars from around the world gathered by the Grand Canal to share insights and recommendations for the integration of culture and tourism along the canal.

During the event, the Grand Canal Cultural Development Report was officially released. The report reviews the rich history and vibrant renewal of global canals, provides insights into the creative transformation and innovative development of Grand Canal culture, and examines practices and explorations in the preservation and utilization of canal culture.

Seven international experts delivered keynote speeches on the canal as a universal language of human civilization.

Ludwig Rieder, an expert advisor from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, shared his insights in The Grand Canal and its Integration as a Cultural Tourism Asset. He emphasized that the Grand Canal is not only of historical value but also a living river that connects the past, present, and future, providing social, economic, and environmental benefits to the cities and people along its route.

Carson Jenkins, emeritus professor at the University of Strathclyde and adjunct professor at Zhejiang University City College, discussed the development and tourism potential of UK canals and encouraged Hangzhou to further explore the cultural potential of the Grand Canal and link it with commercial opportunities to enhance its influence.

The academic exchange celebrated the flowing canal, its enduring culture, and related intellectual dialogue. Gongshu district will continue to protect and explore the cultural roots of the Grand Canal, ensuring that Chinese civilization is richly nourished at the southern end of the canal, driving high-quality development far into the future.

Ludwig Rieder, an expert advisor from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, shares his insights. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]