China’s Zhengzhou Leads the Charge in Merging Cultural Preservation with Urban Development: A Glimpse into the Global Mayors Dialogue 2025

China’s Henan Province capital, Zhengzhou, is emerging as a model for combining cultural preservation and urban renewal. More than 300 city officials, mayors, and academics from around the globe attended the city’s 2025 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism and Global Mayors Dialogue, which took place from October 22 to 25, 2025. The topic of discussion at these forums was “Preserving the Cultural Legacy of Ancient Capitals and Driving Urban Renewal”. The occasion highlighted Zhengzhou’s special initiatives to make sure that its rich cultural legacy is not sacrificed in the name of urban growth.

A Vision for Sustainable Urban Growth

The city of Zhengzhou has adopted an innovative approach to urban planning, placing archaeological discovery before construction. This method, known as the “archaeology first, construction later” reform, ensures that the city’s cultural and historical sites are protected amidst its rapid urban development. This reform aims to balance the need for modern infrastructure with the preservation of historical legacies.

The integration of cultural heritage with contemporary urban life is particularly evident in projects like the Shang City Archaeological Site Park and the Fuminli Cultural Block. These projects are designed to harmoniously merge ancient relics with modern spaces, fostering an environment where the past and the present coexist. The Shang City Archaeological Site Park, for example, is a vast open-air museum where visitors can walk through history while enjoying the amenities of modern-day Zhengzhou. This careful integration has made Zhengzhou a shining example of sustainable urban development.

Global Recognition for Zhengzhou’s Cultural and Urban Renewal Approach

Zhengzhou’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The city has received international recognition for its work in merging urban expansion with cultural preservation. At the forum, leaders from Italy, Spain, and New Zealand commended the city for its forward-thinking strategies. Maurizio Rasero, the Mayor of Asti, Italy, praised the city’s ability to preserve its cultural charm while embracing the advancements of modern infrastructure. Juan de Dios Perez Garcia, the Mayor of Spain’s Zaragoza, also recognised Zhengzhou for its innovative projects that harmoniously blend the ancient and the contemporary.

Furthermore, New Zealand’s Rotorua Mayor highlighted the role of modern technology in revitalising traditional culture. He pointed out that technology has played a crucial role in revamping ancient cultural sites and integrating them into today’s economy. By using modern tools to enhance the visitor experience, cities like Zhengzhou can stimulate economic growth, promote tourism, and create new job opportunities.

Zhengzhou’s Urban Projects: A Model for the Future

The Shang City Archaeological Site Park and Fuminli Cultural Block are just the beginning of Zhengzhou’s ambitious vision for the future. These developments are not just about preserving the past but also about ensuring that the city remains competitive on the global stage. The integration of heritage sites into urban spaces is seen as a crucial step in promoting cultural tourism. The Fuminli Cultural Block, for instance, is a lively cultural district where ancient architecture meets modern retail spaces, providing a platform for both local artisans and global businesses to thrive.

Zhengzhou’s urban renewal initiatives are also deeply intertwined with the region’s tourism sector. By preserving cultural landmarks and making them accessible to tourists, the city has created a new wave of cultural tourism. Tourists visiting Zhengzhou can now experience an immersive journey that includes archaeological sites, museums, and cultural exhibitions. This not only provides an educational experience but also boosts local businesses by attracting both domestic and international visitors.

A Global Dialogue on Cultural Preservation and Urbanization

The Global Mayors Dialogue-Zhengzhou and 2025 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism served as platforms for a global discussion on the challenges and opportunities in balancing cultural preservation with urban growth. This event provided a space for mayors, officials, and scholars to share their experiences and learn from one another. Several key themes emerged during the discussions, including the role of governance in cultural heritage protection, the importance of involving local communities in preservation efforts, and the need for sustainable tourism practices.

Zhengzhou’s example has shown that it is possible to preserve the past while embracing the future. By placing cultural heritage at the forefront of urban planning, the city has not only protected its historical treasures but also created new opportunities for tourism, education, and economic development.

Zhengzhou’s Approach: A Roadmap for Future Generations

The city of Zhengzhou’s approach to merging cultural preservation with urban development is a roadmap for cities around the world. As urbanisation continues at an unprecedented pace, cities must find ways to preserve their cultural legacies while adapting to the demands of the modern world. Zhengzhou’s success is a testament to the fact that cultural preservation is not a hindrance to growth but rather an essential component of sustainable urban development.

A New Era of Cultural and Urban Synergy

The difficulties of maintaining cultural heritage while promoting economic growth will only get worse as the world becomes more urbanised. Other cities struggling with the challenges of urban renewal can learn a lot from Zhengzhou’s audacious strategy. Zhengzhou has established a benchmark for other cities to follow by giving archaeology and cultural preservation top priority in its urban planning. The 2025 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism and the Global Mayors Dialogue-Zhengzhou played a significant role in emphasizing the value of combining urban and cultural development in ways that benefit both local communities and international tourism.

It is obvious that the preservation of cultural heritage will be essential in determining how tourism, urban planning, and economic growth develop in cities like Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou is well-positioned to continue being a leader in urban development and cultural preservation for many years to come thanks to projects like the Fuminli Cultural Block and the Shang City Archaeological Site Park.

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China’s Zhengzhou Showcases Its Vision for Sustainable Urban Growth with a Strong Focus on Cultural Heritage at the Global Mayors Dialogue

Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province in China, is emerging as a beacon for urban renewal that seamlessly integrates cultural heritage with modern development. From October 22 to 25, 2025, the Global Mayors Dialogue•Zhengzhou and 2025 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism brought together key figures in the fields of urban development, tourism, and cultural preservation. The forum, focused on the theme “Preserving the Cultural Legacy of Ancient Capitals and Driving Urban Renewal,” gathered over 300 guests, including mayors, city representatives, and experts from countries such as Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, and New Zealand.

The event underscored the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of ancient cities while pushing forward with modern urbanization. With Zhengzhou at the forefront of this conversation, the city has become a model for other urban areas seeking to balance preservation with progress. The integration of archaeological discovery with urban development was a key discussion point, as the city’s innovative approach is setting new standards for how ancient cities can evolve into thriving modern centers without losing their cultural significance.

Key Highlights from the 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue on Cultural Heritage and Urban Development

• Urban Renewal and Cultural Preservation: Zhengzhou leads the way in implementing reforms that prioritize the protection of cultural relics before urban development.
• Zhengzhou Shang City Archaeological Site Park: A unique project that blends 3,600-year-old Shang Dynasty city walls with modern life through interactive and engaging designs.
• Fuminli Cultural Block: A project that integrates historical architecture with contemporary cultural industries, preserving the original street layout while fostering innovation.
• Global Collaboration: Discussions between international mayors highlighted how cities like Asti, Palomeque, and Rotorua can learn from Zhengzhou’s integration of cultural heritage and modernity.

Zhengzhou’s Leadership in Cultural Heritage and Urban Development

As one of China’s most historically rich cities, Zhengzhou has not only preserved its ancient roots but has also embraced modernity to shape a sustainable future. The city’s forward-thinking approach to urban development ensures that cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated. A core element of this strategy is archaeological discovery, which has been given priority in urban planning. In Zhengzhou, the principle of “archaeology first, construction later” is a guiding rule that provides institutional safeguards for the protection of cultural relics during development projects.

The Zhengzhou Shang City Archaeological Site Park exemplifies this innovative approach. The park is an interactive space where visitors can engage with the Shang Dynasty city walls, which are over 3,600 years old. The design team behind the park emphasized a hands-on experience that allows the ancient walls to coexist with modern urban spaces, providing a unique blend of history and contemporary life.

In the heart of Zhengzhou, the Fuminli cultural block follows the principle of “preserving the original street layout”, while fostering a space for cultural industries. This area creates an authentic experience that integrates the old and the new, making it a destination where tradition and modernity complement each other. Visitors can explore this dynamic urban space that showcases the city’s rich heritage while enjoying the benefits of modern development.

International Perspectives on Zhengzhou’s Approach to Urban Renewal

International mayors and city leaders who participated in the Global Mayors Dialogue were impressed by Zhengzhou’s approach to urban renewal and cultural preservation. Maurizio Rasero, governor of Asti Province in Italy, shared how his city has transformed historical sites into cultural centers that drive both tourism and local economies. He noted, “We have successfully turned our winemaking tradition into a driving force for experiential tourism, which not only protects our heritage but also breathes new life into it.” His comments resonated with Zhengzhou’s approach, as both cities recognize the importance of utilizing cultural heritage to foster economic growth.

Juan de Dios Perez Garcia, mayor of Palomeque, Spain, praised Zhengzhou for preserving the charm of its ancient quarters while embracing modern design elements. He proposed the idea of “proactive protection”, suggesting that modern cities should integrate new elements into traditional streetscapes, ensuring the sustainability of historic districts. This concept aligns with Zhengzhou’s work in creating spaces that celebrate both the past and the future.

Tania Arihia Tapsell, mayor of Rotorua, New Zealand, highlighted the economic benefits of Zhengzhou’s integration of modern technology with traditional culture. She noted that the city’s approach not only supports employment and economic growth but also promotes the preservation of its rich cultural identity. This kind of urban renewal, driven by cultural innovation, can have lasting positive impacts on a city’s economic and social fabric.

The Role of Technology in Reviving Traditional Culture

A central theme of the forum was the role of modern technology in revitalizing traditional culture. Zhengzhou has been at the forefront of this movement, using technology to revive ancient customs and practices while integrating them into the city’s modern framework. This blending of digital innovation with cultural heritage offers a glimpse into the future of urban development, where history and progress are not seen as opposing forces but as complementary elements that can coexist and thrive together.

By leveraging technology, Zhengzhou has not only preserved the physical remnants of its ancient past but has also brought them into the present in ways that engage and inspire modern audiences. Whether through interactive experiences at the Shang City Archaeological Site Park or the development of cultural industries in the Fuminli cultural block, Zhengzhou is setting the standard for how technology can be used to breathe new life into historical traditions.

Zhengzhou’s Balanced Approach to Urban Renewal: A Model for Future Cities

An Wei, a key figure in the Zhengzhou Municipal Party Committee, summed up the city’s approach to urban renewal during the forum: “Urban renewal is not merely about restoration or reconstruction, but about the organic growth of a city.” This statement encapsulates Zhengzhou’s vision for the future—a vision where cities can evolve organically while maintaining a deep respect for their cultural and historical roots.

Zhengzhou’s path of cultural innovation offers valuable lessons for other cities worldwide. The city has found its own unique balance between preserving heritage and embracing modernity, showing that urban renewal can be both respectful of the past and forward-thinking. The city’s commitment to cultural sustainability is evident in its public policies, which emphasize the need for holistic urban planning that considers both historical preservation and future growth.

Conclusion: Zhengzhou Leads the Way in Integrating Heritage and Modern Urban Development

As cities around the world face the challenges of urbanization, Zhengzhou offers an inspiring model for how to incorporate cultural heritage into the future of urban living. The city’s leadership in cultural preservation and urban renewal is transforming it into a global hub where the past and future coexist in harmony. The 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue served as a pivotal moment for international collaboration, allowing cities from around the world to learn from Zhengzhou’s approach and apply these insights to their own urban development strategies.

Zhengzhou’s commitment to sustainable urban development ensures that it will continue to be a global leader in preserving cultural legacies while paving the way for future innovations. The city’s success proves that with careful planning, modern cities can grow while preserving their unique cultural identities, offering a model that other urban centers can follow in the years to come.

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