The 2024 Lingqu Canal Forum. [Photo/Guilin Daily]

On July 26, the 2024 Lingqu Canal Forum opened in Xing'an county, Guilin. Experts and scholars gathered by the historic Lingqu Canal to discuss the protection and preservation of canal culture, contributing their insights into the application of Lingqu as a world cultural heritage site, preparations for the 2026 World Canal Conference, and the development of Guilin into a world-class tourist city.

The Lingqu Canal connects the north and south, linking the interior with the exterior, playing a significant role in promoting the exchange of civilizations between China and the world.

The purpose of the forum is to thoroughly explore the cultural significance of the Lingqu Canal, strike a balance between protection and development, accelerate archaeological research, and promote Lingqu's application for listing as a world cultural heritage site.

At the forum, Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, delivered a speech, pointing out that Lingqu is not only a marvel of ancient Chinese engineering but also a testament to the fundamental relationship between water and life itself.

He emphasized that the protection and application of Lingqu Canal should focus on excavating and spreading its historical and cultural value, while also incorporating modern technological means to promote the digital protection and smart tourism development of Lingqu Canal.

Shahbaz Khan (2nd from left), director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, delivers a speech during the forum. [Photo/Guilin Daily]