This November, Nanjing hosted the Global Mayors Dialogue, welcoming city leaders from Italy, Serbia, Germany, Namibia and beyond. Against the backdrop of the Yangtze River and the Grand Bao’en Temple, participants witnessed how Nanjing is reimagining waterfront culture and historic preservation.
At the Six Dynasties Museum, delegates explored interactive exhibits tracing the city’s 2,500-year history, while walking tours along the revitalized riverbanks showcased green parks, digital light installations and community art hubs. By integrating modern design with ancient walls, Nanjing has seen weekend foot traffic at the riverfront double over the past two years.
Key Takeaways from the Dialogue
- Heritage Tech: Startups are using AR and VR to bring ancient Nanjing to life, offering interactive tours of the old city walls.
- Green Revitalization: Over 5 kilometers of riverfront have been transformed into pedestrian-friendly green corridors.
- Community Engagement: Local craftspeople collaborate with designers to create public art that reflects Nanjing’s dynastic past.
‘Nanjing shows us that preserving history doesn’t mean freezing it in time,’ said one mayor. ‘It’s about weaving heritage into the city’s future.’
As the Yangtze’s tide flows past Nanjing, the city stands as a living heritage, where ancient relics and modern urbanism converge. Young global citizens and changemakers are eyeing these innovations as blueprints for sustainable, culture-rich cities worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
