By love-89.com On September 20, 2023, China News Service hosted an exclusive interview with Wang Ming, an associate professor in the Department of Cultural Heritage Studies at Capital Normal University and the Executive Director of the Beijing Cultural Heritage Research Center. The interview, conducted by reporter Du Yan, explored the theme of “How can the ‘Whole Human Heritage’ be shared beautifully?”
China is globally acclaimed for its rich cultural and natural heritage. Notably, in July, the “Central Axis of Beijing – A Masterpiece of China’s Ideal City Order” was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Additionally, the Badain Jaran Desert – Sand Dune Lake Complex earned World Natural Heritage status, and the second phase of China’s Yellow (Bohai) Sea Migratory Bird Habitat expanded its heritage designation. With a total of 59 World Heritage sites, China ranks among the leading countries in heritage preservation.
During the interview, Professor Wang discussed strategies for enhancing the systematic protection of cultural and natural heritage, emphasizing the need to preserve China’s remarkable cultural and natural treasures. He addressed the global importance of “Human Heritage as a Whole” and the interplay between people and heritage in the conservation process.
China News Service: How has China improved its heritage protection capabilities and standards in recent years? What unique “Chinese solutions” and “Chinese wisdom” contribute to global heritage protection?
Wang Ming: The Beijing Central Axis is a complex of various elements distributed across roughly 5.9 square kilometers, including 15 key components and essential connecting spaces, within a buffer zone that extends about 45.4 square kilometers—encompassing much of old Beijing. This comprehensive framework is essential for preserving the historical city.
The proposal endorsed at the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party advocates for “systematic and unified management of cultural heritage.” Authenticity and integrity are vital principles in World Heritage classification. China has always stressed the need for holistic protection of its cultural heritage and has further underscored the importance of systematic safeguarding in recent years.
China offers a “Chinese solution” that considers multiple heritage types from a comprehensive viewpoint, emphasizing the relationship between cultural relics and natural landscapes, the central role of people, preventive protection measures, and the significance of public involvement. This approach aligns with UNESCO’s notion of “the Whole Human Heritage,” fostering a symbiotic relationship between communities and their heritage. It serves as a fundamental strategy for promoting a shared future for humanity.
A holistic and systematic approach to the protection of cultural and natural heritage is crucial for nurturing a harmonious balance between material and spiritual civilization and plays a significant role in building cultural confidence in contemporary China.
China News Service: What achievements has China made in utilizing cultural and natural heritage recently, and where is there room for improvement?
Wang Ming: Since 2006, China has designated “Chinese Cultural Heritage Day,” evolving it in 2017 to include “Cultural and Natural Heritage Day.” This transition highlights the integrated protection of cultural and natural heritage and promotes activities that support the transmission of intangible cultural heritage—encouraging living heritage practices.
Living heritage is pivotal. The widespread public engagement during the nomination process for the Beijing Central Axis underscores how cultural heritage resonates with contemporary life.
In recent years, there has been increased synergy between cultural heritage and museums, with the pursuit of “bringing relics to life” gaining traction. The emergence of the “museum boom” reflects a major social trend, as cities like Beijing work towards becoming “Museum Cities.” Furthermore, blending cultural heritage with creative industries and cultural tourism actively promotes the integration of heritage into modern lifestyles.
China News Service: What role does international exchange and collaboration play in cultural and natural heritage?
Wang Ming: As of July, following the 46th World Heritage Conference, there are now 1,223 World Heritage sites globally. These cultural and natural treasures hold immense value not only for individual countries but for humanity as a whole.
The recent designation of the Yellow (Bohai) Sea migratory bird habitat as a World Natural Heritage site highlights the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding bird migration routes and habitats.
This year marks a decade since the successful nomination of the Grand Canal as a World Heritage site. The canal acts as a “cultural ambassador,” fostering historical and cultural exchanges among cities connected by various waterways and paving the way for new collaborative initiatives.
Additionally, this year marks ten years since the inscription of the “Silk Road: The Network of Routes from Chang’an to the Tianshan Corridor.” This project exemplifies successful cross-border collaboration between China and Central Asian nations throughout the nomination process.
China has actively pushed for the inclusion of the Maritime Silk Road in World Heritage applications and sought joint nominations with multiple countries, showcasing the collaborative spirit essential in the field of cultural and natural heritage. These efforts enhance dialogues between civilizations and promote international cooperation.
Ultimately, building a community with a shared future for humanity relies heavily on cultural exchanges rooted in empathy and mutual understanding. The protection, transmission, and utilization of cultural and natural heritage lay the groundwork for integrating “the Whole Human Heritage,” facilitating global cultural discourse and nurturing a diverse yet unified global community.
China News Service: In a world experiencing unprecedented change, what is the significance of cultural exchange and mutual learning between civilizations?
Wang Ming: Inclusivity is a hallmark of Chinese civilization. This characteristic is reflected in diverse Chinese cultural heritage and broader interactions between China and the world.
One of the best ways to honor history is to craft new narratives. The greatest tribute to human civilization lies in creating innovative forms of cultural expression. Chinese civilization has developed an open framework through exchanges and mutual learning with other cultures. As we carry this legacy into the future, the Chinese nation must continue to engage in intercultural dialogue.
Prominent World Heritage sites like the “Silk Road: The Network of Routes from Chang’an to the Tianshan Corridor,” the Grand Canal, and the “Central Axis of Beijing,” along with ongoing initiatives to nominate the Maritime Silk Road, showcase the cultural exchanges that have occurred between China and other nations.
These heritage sites represent the richness of traditional Chinese culture and highlight its universal values. The processes involved in their protection, transmission, and utilization reflect an openness to global perspectives, deeply influenced by the worldwide cultural heritage movement.
Civilization flourishes through exchanges, becoming more vibrant through shared learning. Such interactions will foster dialogues, allowing diverse cultural elements to engage and inspire innovative developments in human civilization.
Interviewee Profile:
Wang Ming is an associate professor in the Department of Cultural Heritage Studies at Capital Normal University, where he leads the Cultural Heritage Program and serves as Executive Director of the Beijing Cultural Heritage Research Center. He supervises master’s students and has completed postdoctoral studies at Tsinghua University. Wang holds various leadership roles, including membership in the Beijing Historical Research Society and the Grand Canal Cultural Research Association, as well as serving as an appointed expert at the Grand Canal Cultural Institute in Tongzhou. Additionally, he is the vice-chairman of the China Association for the Study of Folk Beliefs in Macau. His research interests encompass the history of ancient Chinese rituals, cultural heritage in Beijing, the Grand Canal, and intangible cultural heritage. With over 50 articles published in journals such as “Chinese Historical Studies” and “Archaeology,” he has led two national social science fund projects and edited several cultural heritage reports and dialogues, including “Common Knowledge of Cultural Heritage for Teens” and “Historical and Cultural Discussions of Shijingshan.”