Zhengzhou’s Unique Blend of Heritage and Urban Renewal Inspires Global Dialogue: What You Need To Know

Zhengzhou, a city rich in culture, has become the place to be for the combination of preservation of the past with urban development. The Global Mayors Dialogue and the International Mayors’ Forum on Tourism 2025 were held in the city from October 22 to 25, 2025. More than 300 mayors, experts and scholars from all over the world gathered for the discussion of sustainable urban renewal. The forum’s topic, ‘Preserving the Cultural Legacy of Ancient Capitals and Driving Urban Renewal‘, was an eye-opener to the global situation of how to keep the past and the present in a nice balance, thus preventing the one from choking the other.

Cultural Heritage at the Heart of Urban Development

Zhengzhou has pioneered a model for cultural heritage integration into urban planning. The city is leading the charge with its ‘archaeology first, construction later‘ approach, ensuring that historical relics and archaeological sites are protected during modern development projects. This forward-thinking model has allowed Zhengzhou to preserve its ancient history while advancing urban growth.

One of the key projects discussed during the forum was the Zhengzhou Shang City Archaeological Site Park. Here, 3,600-year-old Shang Dynasty city walls have been seamlessly incorporated into modern city life. The park offers an interactive experience, inviting visitors to engage with the history of the Shang Dynasty while enjoying a contemporary urban environment. The integration of this archaeological site into the fabric of modern Zhengzhou showcases how cities can evolve without losing touch with their roots.

The Fuminli cultural block is another prime example of how cultural industries can thrive alongside historical preservation. The project aims to preserve the original street layout while incorporating modern cultural elements, creating a thematic space where tradition and modernity coexist. This innovative approach ensures that Zhengzhou retains its authentic cultural charm while offering unique, immersive tourism experiences.

Sustainable Tourism: A Global Exchange of Ideas

The forum provided a platform for global leaders to share experiences and strategies on how best to integrate heritage preservation with tourism. Delegates from cities such as Asti, Italy, Palomeque, Spain, and Rotorua, New Zealand, shared their approaches to cultural tourism and urban development.

For example, in Asti, Italy, the city has transformed historical sites into cultural hubs, leveraging its winemaking tradition to offer experiential tourism that not only preserves its history but revitalizes the local economy. Similarly, Palomeque in Spain has embraced proactive protection, integrating modern elements into traditional streetscapes, allowing the city’s historic areas to thrive alongside contemporary urban developments.

Rotorua, a city known for its indigenous Maori culture, has used modern technology to breathe new life into traditional cultural practices, creating economic opportunities while promoting sustainable tourism. These examples highlight how cities around the world are finding innovative ways to preserve their cultural heritage while supporting modern economic growth and tourism.

Zhengzhou’s Role in Shaping the Future of Urban Development

As cities continue to face the pressures of modernization, Zhengzhou has shown that it is possible to create a sustainable urban model that incorporates cultural heritage. The city’s approach to urban renewal is not about mere reconstruction but rather about fostering organic growth—allowing for the preservation of history while embracing innovation. This philosophy offers a balanced path forward for cities worldwide that are seeking to respect their cultural roots while moving toward a modern future.

Zhengzhou, a Cultural and Tourism Hub of the Future

Zhengzhou’s vision for urban renewal is an inspiring example of how ancient cities can shape the future of urban development and tourism. By blending cultural heritage with modernity, the city offers a unique travel experience, where history is not only preserved but integrated into the modern urban landscape. As more cities around the world look for sustainable models of growth, Zhengzhou’s approach provides valuable insights into how cultural tourism can play a central role in the future of urban development.

In this cooperative conversation, Zhengzhou is asserting its status as a cultural tourism leader by providing tourists with the chance to witness the coexistence of ancient customs and modern creativity in one of the most significant cities in China’s history. This strategy is not only changing Zhengzhou but is also opening the door for cities around the world to go down the same path and find their own ways between heritage preservation and urban renewal.

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