Guests from Egypt visit the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The fourth Liangzhu Forum will take place in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, from Oct 18 to 20, bringing together international experts to discuss cultural heritage protection, the return of lost artifacts, and sustainable tourism.

The forum will mark the 90th anniversary of the discovery of the Liangzhu Archaeological Site. The site is hailed as one of the most important heritage sites of the Neolithic Age in China, and the greatest feature of this cultural site is its jade wares.

The program includes an opening ceremony, a main forum, five sub-forums, and five supporting activities. Topics range from early civilizations and world heritage nominations to the application of technology in heritage conservation and the international recovery and return of cultural objects.

The forum will deepen cooperation with organizations including UNESCO, the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, and the International Council on Monuments and Sites.

At the news conference, Yang Jiangen, head of Yuhang district, outlined plans to develop the Liangzhu Cultural Corridor under a 2026-35 development plan. Projects include the second phase of the Liangzhu Museum and the Liangzhu Cultural Living Room, alongside efforts to expand cultural and tourism industries and connect heritage conservation with rural development.