Nanjing's 2,500-year legacy came alive this week as the Yangtze River city hosted the Global Mayors Dialogue, welcoming municipal leaders from Italy, Serbia, Germany, Namibia and other countries. Against the backdrop of illuminated Ming Dynasty architecture and cutting-edge preservation projects, participants explored how urban centers can balance historical stewardship with contemporary development.
The dialogue's centerpiece featured Nanjing's innovative approach to cultural continuity. At the Grand Bao'en Temple – a meticulous reconstruction of a 15th-century Buddhist complex – delegates examined how augmented reality enhances visitor engagement with historical sites. The Six Dynasties Museum meanwhile demonstrated how underground exhibitions can protect archaeological treasures while maintaining urban functionality above.
"What we're seeing here isn't museum-piece preservation," remarked one European delegate. "It's living history actively shaping sustainable urban planning." The discussions come as Nanjing prepares to implement new smart city initiatives in 2026 that will integrate environmental sensors into protected historical zones.
As the Yangtze's waters continue to shape Nanjing's identity, the November 2025 summit has positioned this former imperial capital as a case study in reconciling heritage conservation with technological progress – lessons increasingly relevant for cities worldwide facing similar challenges.
