The Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Historic District [Photo by Yu Song/For chinadaily.com.cn]

World heritage issues examined in an online format for the first time

Fuzhou is welcoming the extended 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of the UNESCO, which is considered one of the most significant international conferences in the field of cultural and natural heritage protection. Due to the extreme exceptional circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, the World Heritage Committee for the first time decided to discuss world heritage issues in the form of a fully online meeting. This session will examine 45 sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage List and work on reports concerning the state of conservation for 258 world heritages.

Fuzhou is a famous historical and cultural city in China, with a history of more than 2,200 years as a city. Fuzhou boasts 4,758 immovable cultural relics, including 25 under national protection. Tanshi Mountain Culture, Shoushan Stone Culture, the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Historic District and Shipbuilding Culture are the four cultural name cards of Fuzhou. Min Opera, the art of storytelling, Chichang Opera and other seven items are recognized as State-level intangible cultural heritages.

Protecting ancient buildings and relics aims to preserve the history, preserve a city's cultural veins, and preserve the fine intangible tradition of famous historical and cultural cities. Fuzhou has in recent years made great progress in the conservation of cultural relics, including protecting and repairing 180 major relics, 1,300 ancient or historic buildings, innovating 17 communities with historic and cultural features and renovating 261 traditional alleys.

Diversity spurs interaction among civilizations, which in turn promotes mutual learning and further development. Fuzhou, the city of blessing, sincerely invites you to join in the efforts to protect cultural and natural heritages, preserving and passing on the common wealth of all mankind.

Major events:
Opening ceremony
Bureau meeting and plenary session
"From Fuzhou to Kazan－echoes on the leadership of world heritages" and other seven side events
World Heritage Young Professionals Forum
World Heritage Site Managers Forum
Tree planting for the "World Heritage Forest"
Immersive theater themed "pursuing dreams in the alleys and lanes"
Exhibitions and tours
Closing ceremony