Government officials and cultural experts from China and Italy gathered in Rome this week to chart innovative approaches to urban development through the lens of shared heritage. The Sino-Italian Dialogue on Urban Civilization 2025 marked a milestone in cross-cultural collaboration, blending ancient wisdom with modern innovation.
Under the theme 'Cultural Continuity and the Construction of Urban Civilization,' participants explored how historical preservation can inform sustainable city planning. Hu Kaihong of China's Central Commission for Guiding Cultural and Ethical Progress framed the event as 'a bridge between civilizations, where the echoes of our past guide tomorrow's urban landscapes.'
The dialogue culminated in establishing the Italy–China Joint Center for City Civilization, co-led by China Academy of Art Vice President Han Xu and former Italian Ambassador to China Alberto Bradanini. This permanent platform will facilitate joint research on heritage-based urban regeneration and smart city technologies.
Scholars highlighted case studies ranging from Beijing's hutong preservation to Venice's flood mitigation strategies, emphasizing adaptive reuse of historical spaces. The collaboration signals growing momentum in China-Europe cultural exchanges, with urban development emerging as a key area for knowledge-sharing.
