BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Road was held in Changsha from November 19 to 22, bringing together 60 youth representatives from over 40 countries and regions.
Themed "Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Youth for Heritage Protection and Inheritance", the forum aimed to advance the development of Changsha as a "City of Media Arts" and an international communication base, strengthen exchanges between Chinese and foreign cities, and showcase the international images of Chinese cities.
Seven themed events and multiple in-depth dialogues among the participants commenced during the four-day event, making it not merely a forum but also a grand event of civilization, youth, and innovation.
Through a series of themed seminars, including the youth sharing session, panel discussions, and a parallel session for UCCN Member Cities' Forum, young participants from around the world sparked off ideas through exchanges and offered suggestions for the future development of the world.
During the "Experience a Dynamic China in Changsha" tour, Chinese and international youth participants and guests visited the Hunan Museum where they gained insights into the profound Chinese civilization and experienced the integration of technology and cultural heritage.
The participants later proceeded to the Huogongdian, a historical restaurant that integrates traditional folk culture, fire temple culture, and culinary culture, where they immersed themselves in Changsha opera and intangible cultural heritage performances.
The young participants also hopped on a double-decker bus tour along the Xiangjiang River to experience Changsha's prosperous night economy.
At the youth gala on the evening of November 21, young Chinese participants presented traditional intangible heritage performances, including suona and guzheng music, dragon and lion dances, and acrobatic comedy, while their overseas friends performed distinctive local talents. The stage became a vibrant venue for the convergence of diverse cultures, full of youthful vitality and cross-border friendship.
Through a series of events, the forum established a multidimensional platform for mutual learning and dialogues among civilizations, while showcasing Changsha's image as an internationalized city featuring openness, diversity, cooperation, and innovation.
The forum was co-organized by UNESCO, the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO, the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations, and the Changsha Municipal People's Government. (Edited by Li Xueqing with Xinhua Silk Road, lixueqing@xinhua.org)
A single purchase
