Ancient Cities, New Rhythms: Cultural Heritage Inspiring the Future of Urban Development

International

Global Mayors Dialogue in Zhengzhou highlights how ancient legacies can drive modern innovation

From October 22 to 25, the Global Mayors Dialogue·Zhengzhou and the 2025 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism convened in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, under the theme “Preserving the Cultural Legacy of Ancient Capitals and Driving Urban Renewal.” The event gathered nearly 300 participants, including mayors, city representatives, urban planners, and scholars from Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, and New Zealand, to explore how cultural heritage can serve as a catalyst for sustainable urban development.

Archaeology first: Zhengzhou’s model for heritage-led development

Zhengzhou has emerged as a pioneer in aligning archaeological preservation with urban planning through its policy of “archaeology first, construction later.” This framework ensures that urban growth does not come at the expense of the city’s cultural relics, providing institutional protection for the integration of history into modern infrastructure.

One example is the Zhengzhou Shang City Archaeological Site Park, where a design approach emphasizing interactive, experiential learning allows visitors to engage with the 3,600-year-old city walls of the Shang Dynasty in a living urban context. Similarly, the Fuminli Cultural Block preserves the city’s original street grid while incorporating cultural industries and creative spaces, fostering a dynamic coexistence of tradition and modern life.

Voices from around the world

Maurizio Rasero, governor of Italy’s Asti Province, highlighted Zhengzhou’s success in preserving its heritage amid modernization:

“Zhengzhou has not forgotten its traditions and history,” he said. Drawing parallels with Asti’s experience, Rasero described how historical sites there have been transformed into cultural centers and experiential tourism hubs rooted in the region’s winemaking legacy — initiatives that “protect heritage while giving it new vitality.”

Juan de Dios Pérez García, mayor of Palomeque, Spain, lauded Zhengzhou as “a historic and cultural city that preserves the charm of its old quarters while embracing a modern style.” He proposed the idea of “proactive protection” — integrating contemporary design elements into traditional settings to ensure the sustainable evolution of historic districts.

Tania Arihia Tapsell, mayor of Rotorua, New Zealand, commended Zhengzhou’s use of modern technology to revive traditional culture, noting that it not only strengthens identity but also creates jobs and fosters economic growth. She expressed enthusiasm for expanding cooperation between Zhengzhou and Rotorua.

A vision for balanced renewal

Concluding the forum, An Wei, member of the Standing Committee of the Henan Provincial Party Committee and secretary of the Zhengzhou Municipal Party Committee, emphasized that urban renewal must transcend restoration alone:

“Urban renewal is not merely about restoration or reconstruction, but about the organic growth of a city. Every city must find its own balanced approach to making breakthroughs in cultural innovation.”

The Global Mayors Dialogue underscored a shared belief among international city leaders: that heritage is not an obstacle to progress, but a foundation for creativity and identity in the cities of tomorrow.