As one of China' s eight actions to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the First Liangzhu Forum was held in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province, on December 3, 2023. 

With the theme of “Practising Global Civilization Initiative and Promoting Exchanges and Mutual Learning between Civilizations”, the First Liangzhu Forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People' s Republic of China and the People' s Government of Zhejiang Province. More than 300 guests from both home and abroad attended the forum. Representatives of “Six Silk Road Alliances” and international cultural and art institutions shared their views at the forum. 

A scene of “Liangzhu Forum” Photo by Xiang Kai

Silk Road is not only a valuable asset shared by the countries along the road, but is also an idea of win-win cooperation

“Silk Road is not only a valuable assets shared by the countries along the road, but is also an idea of win-win cooperation.” said Anhel Ancona Resendes, representative of Silk Road International League of Theaters, general manager of Mexico City Theater System and Esperanza Elise Theater of Mexico City, and artistic adviser of Palace of Fine Arts of Mexico, as he shared his understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Silk Road International League Theaters.

Through decades of practical and working experience in the cultural field, Anhel was fully aware of the influence of culture on boosting the understanding and recognition between civilizations and communities around the world. 

“All the 32 states of Mexico, each with its unique characteristics, are infused in the Mexico City, the central city of the country. Each and every street, square, building and even every breath of people in the Mexico City show a diversified culture.” 

To discuss Mexican culture and art, he points out, is to delve into people' s identities, colors, passions and hard work, write its history through intangible and tangible creation and capture and explore its past and present through aesthetic expression.

With regard to future cooperation, Anhel expressed his hope to further promote cultural cooperation under the mechanism of Silk Road International League of Theaters.

“Palace of Fine Arts, one of the most important cultural venues of Mexico, will celebrate its 90th anniversary next year. I'd like to propose that it joins the Silk Road International League of Theaters as an important part of the celebration and avails the opportunity to promote exchanges of cultural performance,” he said expectantly.

Silk Road League of Libraries provides a good chance for cross-regional experience of different cultures

“Library is probably one of the first sharing economies, much earlier than Uber and Airbnb”, said Chen Huixin, the Executive Director of the National Library of Qatar, which is a representative of Silk Road International League of Libraries, on the First Liangzhu Forum held on 3 December. 

A library is a space that provides equal opportunity for all to have free access of books and information, including real books and digital books, regardless of the social or economic background of the readers. 

“The shelves of the libraries are not only filled with books about local cultures, but also books that transcend geographical boundaries and show travels around the world and different cultures. In addition, libraries also offer various activities and platforms for people to have meaningful dialogues and share the views”.

To Chen Huixin, it is extremely important to promote understanding among different cultures, especially in the current era. Silk Road International League of Libraries provides a good opportunity for cross-regional experience of different cultures, and provides a platform for dialogue and mutual learning, which is very important for building an inclusive international community that respects cultural diversity.

Silk Road Artists' Works Exhibited in Mengxi Town in Liangzhu

Silk Road Artists’Rendezvous Exhibition was presented on December 3, 2023. 152 works collectively created on site by 84 artists from 83 countries in three days are on exhibition.

Based on the visiting routes of the artists, the works are categorized in three groups, namely, exploring source of civilization, verdant mountains and lucid waters, and cultural attractions. The exhibition will last for 20 days at Building 7, Mengxi Town, Liangzhu, Hangzhou.