From May 28 to 31, city representatives from 10 countries gathered in Huangshan, Anhui province, to discuss how heritage protection can support sustainable urban development and adopted a joint initiative to strengthen cooperation among world heritage cities.
Global mayors discuss rural vitalization and ecological conservation by Taiping Lake in Huangshan. [Photo/WeChat account: hsq245799]
The 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue · Huangshan highlighted practical approaches to integrating cultural preservation with modern governance. In Hongcun village, delegates examined a centuries-old water system that continues to serve irrigation and flood control functions, drawing praise as a model of traditional ecological wisdom.
At Tunxi Old Street, German representatives explored how historic architecture is preserved alongside commercial activity, showcasing a balance between cultural heritage and urban vitality. Delegates also experienced exoskeleton-assisted hiking on Huangshan Mountain, where technology was presented as a tool to improve access to natural heritage sites.
Cultural experiences such as Huizhou wood carving and fish lantern making further illustrated how traditional culture can be revitalized through public participation and creative adaptation.
In Lundu village, on the shores of Taiping Lake, participants saw how the village has leveraged its natural environment to develop tea production and homestay businesses, transforming a once-poor community into a thriving tourism destination.
International delegates pick tea leaves in the lush plantations of Lundu village. [Photo/WeChat account: hsq245799]
The dialogue led to a shared understanding that heritage and environmental protection are not constraints on development, but long-term drivers of resilient and inclusive growth.