Boyoung Cha takes an interview after the conference. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The Liangzhu Cultural Corridor in Hangzhou has been recognized as one of the 2025 Outstanding Cases for "Prosperity and Livelihoods" by the Asia-Pacific Heritage Practitioners Network (HeritAP).

The award highlights how the project combines cultural heritage protection with regional development to create opportunities and improve local life.

Boyoung Cha, director of cooperation at UNESCO's International Information and Networking Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP), was deeply impressed by the project's holistic approach.

For Cha, the key word behind Liangzhu's success is livelihood. "The project keeps culture alive while improving people's well-being and enhancing visitors' experiences. This balance between cultural vitality and human development is something the world can learn from," she said.

Inspired by her visit, Cha said she plans to share the "Liangzhu experience" with colleagues across the Asia-Pacific region.

The recognition occurred at the annual HeritAP conference, which focused on the theme "Heritage for Sustainable Development". The event brought together experts and representatives from across the Asia-Pacific Region to share their experiences. Outstanding projects from countries including Egypt, Oman, and China were also recognized for finding creative ways to balance economic growth and heritage protection.

Reeds grown at the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]