Cultural heritage as a shared human legacy: insights from SHAN Jixiang’s lecture

In a special session of the Qiushi Lecture Hall general education series, Zhejiang University warmly welcomed SHAN Jixiang, Director of the Expert Committee of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics and the sixth Director of the Palace Museum, to deliver his lecture “Telling China’s Story through Outstanding Chinese Heritage.” Bringing together students from across disciplines, the course offered an immersive journey into China’s rich cultural heritage, inviting participants to discover the deeper values, stories, and traditions that make these treasures truly world-renowned.

Shifting from preserving artifacts to protecting cultural heritage

The cultural heritage of every country does not belong to a single nation or people; it is a shared treasure of all humanity.” This was the opening statement of SHAN Jixiang’s lecture. China officially joined the World Heritage Convention in 1985, and in 1987 achieved its first breakthrough, with six cultural sites successfully inscribed on the World Heritage List. Although the number was small, these sites profoundly challenged traditional concepts of artifact preservation and broke the conventional binary between cultural and natural heritage.

The process of applying for World Heritage status is far from simple. “Only one site can be nominated each year. Which one should we choose? Will it succeed? What if it doesn’t? It requires tremendous effort,” SHAN explained. Through persistent dedication, heritage workers have achieved remarkable results. In 2014, two monumental linear heritage sites—the Grand Canal and the Silk Road—were inscribed. In 2019, the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins were added, making China one of the countries with the largest number of world cultural heritage sites.

From the early days of exploration to today’s rich accomplishments, China’s journey in World Heritage applications reflects not only growth in quantity but also a transformation in philosophy. The approach has evolved from static to living heritage, from individual sites to holistic protection, and from artifact preservation to comprehensive cultural heritage conservation. These changes have enabled China to engage more deeply in global heritage governance, offering unique experiences in promoting cultural diversity and fostering civilizational exchange.

Hangzhou’s three World Heritage Sites

We hope that Hangzhou’s cultural resources with outstanding universal value can be shared with the world,” SHAN Jixiang said. Hangzhou is home to three World Heritage Sites: West Lake, the Grand Canal (Hangzhou section), and the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins. How to protect and develop these cultural resources remains a key concern for SHAN and other heritage conservation professionals.

When asked why West Lake was nominaed for World Heritage status, SHAN offered a concise yet profound explanation: “The reverence and creativity of generations of ancestors have transformed a natural lake into a ‘paradise on earth.’” In preparation for the nomination, Hangzhou made significant adjustments: the city no longer centers development around West Lake, skyline regulations were strengthened, and the lake’s scenic features were fully preserved.

Protecting the Grand Canal has posed its own challenges. “It is not only a relic of ancient hydraulic engineering but also a comprehensive living system,” SHAN explained. Since the early 21st century, emergency conservation surveys have been conducted. From being a key cultural relic to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now a beautiful scenic corridor, the Grand Canal has also driven economic and social development along its route.

The successful inscription of the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins has fostered a consensus within China’s archaeological community: archaeological site parks are an important means of heritage protection. Once barren land has been transformed into a landscape of harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

Over the past decade or so, Hangzhou has gone from having no World Heritage Sites to becoming one of the cities with the most in China. The city’s practical experience in cultural heritage conservation offers valuable lessons for other cities around the world.

ZJU: telling China’s story through outstanding Chinese heritage

Every action is aimed at safeguarding the cultural dignity of relics, and every act of preservation carries forward the Chinese story behind them.”

Zhejiang University has actively engaged in the protection of China’s outstanding heritage. In 2020, the Palace Museum and Zhejiang University signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement. Together, they established the ZJU–Palace Museum Research Center, which integrates science and technology with the humanities through an interdisciplinary approach, exploring new research pathways and preservation methods.

From talent cultivation and academic research to cross-institutional exhibition collaborations, an increasing number of significant cultural works have been given fresh interpretations and presentations thanks to the efforts of the ZJU community. Over the past 20 years, the “Grand Series” initiative has achieved remarkable results. Leveraging China’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, Zhejiang University continues to explore ways to present an authentic and multifaceted China to the world.

Adapted and translated from the article written by HUA Xiale, SONG Mengtian, and LIU Xuantong
Translator: LIU Zhenghao (’2026, Law)
Photo: the interviewees
Editor: HAN Xiao