Hangzhou launches a new initiative linking its three UNESCO World Heritage sites. [Photo/Tide News]

Hangzhou launched a new initiative on June 11 linking its three UNESCO World Heritage sites — West Lake, Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section), and Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — under a unified brand called "Among World Heritage."

Unveiled ahead of Cultural and Natural Heritage Day on June 13, the program aims to promote coordinated preservation, tourism, and public engagement across the city's three world heritage landmarks.

As part of the initiative, visitors can join the new "Hangzhou World Heritage Guardian" campaign, where they collect stamps and complete tasks at heritage sites to earn a limited-edition World Heritage passport and commemorative seals.

Hangzhou also introduced three new heritage-themed travel routes focused on tea culture, traditional Chinese medicine, and technology-integrated tourism. A three-year action plan for 2026-28 was also released to strengthen heritage conservation, research, and cultural promotion.

Officials said the effort will help Hangzhou evolve from a city with three UNESCO World Heritage sites into a world-class heritage cluster, with several additional local heritage projects already included on China's tentative list for future UNESCO nominations.

The launch ceremony is set beside the Grand Canal. [Photo/Tide News]