The recently concluded 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue in Nanjing offered international delegates a profound look into a city where ancient history and modern urban development coexist harmoniously. The event highlighted Nanjing's rich cultural heritage and its ongoing efforts in sustainable development.
For a quick overview, the table below captures the core aspects of the event that showcased Nanjing's character.
Aspect Description
Event Name 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue in Nanjing / "2025世界市长对话·南京"
Theme "Flowing Rivers, Converging Future" / "扬子潮涌 文明共启"
Key Participants Mayors and representatives from various countries including Brunei, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, and others .
Core Focus Sharing urban governance experience, focusing on cultural heritage protection, green ecological development, and smart-city construction .
Historical & Cultural Sites Visited Nanjing City Wall Museum, Zhonghua Gate (Wengcheng) , old urban areas like Xiaoxihu and Laomendong , and the Yangtze River waterfront .
? A Glimpse into Nanjing's Profound History
The mayors' tour of Nanjing's historical sites provided a window into its status as a "Six Dynasties Ancient Capital and Ten Dynasties Metropolis" .
The Enduring City Wall: Delegates visited the Nanjing City Wall Museum and the Zhonghua Gate Wengcheng, an immense gatehouse that is part of the Ming-era fortifications . This wall, built in the 14th century, is one of the longest and largest brick city walls ever built . Its construction, which took 21 years and used bricks from five provinces, represents a monumental achievement in urban defense .
Ancient Foundations: Nanjing's history as a capital dates back to 229 AD when the Wu Kingdom first established its capital here, then known as Jianye . The city served as the capital for successive dynasties, including the Eastern Jin and the Southern Dynasties (Song, Qi, Liang, Chen), solidifying its central role in Chinese history during the 3rd to 6th centuries .
A Legacy of Names: The city's evolution is reflected in its many historical names, such as Jinling, Moling, Jiankang, and Yingtianfu, each marking a different era . The name "Nanjing" itself, meaning "Southern Capital," was established at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty in 1368 and has been in use ever since .
? A Modern Hub for Sustainable Development
Beyond its historical treasures, the dialogue positioned Nanjing as a forward-looking city actively engaged in addressing contemporary global challenges.
A Forum for the Future: The event served as a platform for mayors from around the world to share advanced urban governance experiences and discuss future trends . The focus on "Flowing Rivers" underscored the shared challenges and opportunities faced by waterfront cities .
Holistic Urban Experiences: The itinerary was carefully designed to showcase Nanjing's multifaceted approach to modern urbanism. This included exchanges with youth football teams to feel the city's vitality ("vibrant modern cultural and artistic vibe") , inspections of the Binjiang Fengguangdai (Riverside Scenic Belt) to learn about ecological restoration, and literary activities that highlighted Nanjing's designation as a "City of Literature" .
Sharing Chinese Practices: As expressed by acting mayor Li Zhongjun, the event was an opportunity to "share Chinese practices to address development challenges in urban governance" and to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with other global cities .
? A Symbolic Start on the Yangtze
The opening "Yangtze Night" ceremony at the Da Bao'en Temple Heritage Museum was rich with symbolism . The event featured a performance recounting Nanjing's role as a key node on the maritime Silk Road. A highlight was the启动仪式 (qidong yishi, startup ceremony) centered on a model "treasure ship," a design inspired by the Ming-dynasty Baochuan Shipyard ruins. The rising sails of this ship paid tribute to Admiral Zheng He's historic voyages, which facilitated cultural and commercial exchange, perfectly embodying the event's spirit of "civilizational mutual learning" .
I hope this article provides a clear picture of the Global Mayors Dialogue in Nanjing. If you are interested in a specific aspect, such as the details of Nanjing's city wall or its modern green development policies, feel free to ask for more information.
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