The 2025 Joint Symposium of the City Alliance for the Protection and Joint Application of Maritime Silk Road World Heritage convened in Longquan, a county-level city in Lishui, Zhejiang province, on Nov 18.

Over 200 participants attended, including officials from cultural heritage departments, alliance city governments, and specialized institutions along the Maritime Silk Road route. The attendees reviewed this year's progress and discussed measures to advance heritage protection and international cooperation.

The conference highlighted positive developments in archaeological research, value identification, and international communication. It emphasized that immovable cultural relics are central to the World Heritage application effort.

These relics will play a central role in the third stage of the national cultural relics census, ensuring comprehensive protection and enhanced management. Participants agreed to strengthen theoretical research on the Silk Road's concepts and trade routes to foster broader academic consensus.

The alliance's domestic expansion is currently on hold, with efforts focused on improving the conservation and presentation of existing sites. Increased international exchange was also urged to promote heritage value globally.

The meeting reviewed progress in underwater archaeology and transnational cooperation and approved the inclusion of Semarang, Indonesia, into the alliance.

Established in 2018, the alliance implements action plans and promotes exchanges in heritage research and protection. The 2026 conference will be held in Yantai, Shandong province.