The 2025 International Seminar on "The Canal for the People, The Canal for Tourists" and the Annual Conference of Zhejiang Geographical Society weresuccessfully held at Zhejiang International Studies University (ZISU) on October 23. Under the theme of "Geographical Linkages and Civilizational Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Canal Dialogue in the Construction of a New International Relations", the events focused on three core goals: stepping up the protection, inheritance and utilization of China’s Grand Canal cultural heritage; promoting exchanges between Chinese and world civilizations; and driving innovation in geographical research.
A highlight of the events was the signing of a cooperation agreement between Hangzhou Gongshu District and ZISU. Under this partnership, the two parties will joint hands to leverage social sciences resources, develop a "Canal Culture Demonstration Zone" and an "International Communication Pilot Zone", and provide robust support for the high-quality development of local economy and the high-level construction of ZISU.
Also held during the events was the unveiling of the "Grand Canal Civilization Exchange and Mutual Learning Collaborative Innovation Center" - a research base recently accredited by the provincial education department.
Additionally, ZISU Grand Canal International Research Center and the Institute of Area and Country Studies of Peking University jointly released the 2024 Eurasian Canal City Index report, offering data-driven insights into canal city development across Eurasia.
The dual events further featured a keynote speech session and 6 parallel forums. Over the sessions, Chinese and international scholars engaged in discussions on critical issues, including "Geospatial AI and Sustainable Development" and "Protection of Canal Cultural Heritage, Tourism Development and Civilizational Exchanges and Mutual Learning".
CN
