Drones form the Liangzhu deity emblem's shape. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

Hangzhou in Zhejiang province shared its approach to protecting and utilizing major archaeological sites at a national meeting held in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on Oct 13, highlighting coordinated management, legal safeguards, digital technology, and public engagement.

The city has introduced regulations for the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins and integrated more than 10,000 immovable cultural relics into a citywide digital management system. Since 2009, archaeological assessments have increasingly been conducted before land transfers or allocations.

To address damage from the humid southern climate, Hangzhou established China's first laboratory dedicated to protecting earthen archaeological sites in humid environments. Digital platforms also monitor the Liangzhu ruins, while the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) Deshou Palace site uses measures including water barriers, climate control, and routine monitoring.

The city has strengthened archaeological research and international exchanges through the Liangzhu Forum, held for three consecutive years, and uses augmented and virtual reality to make heritage sites more accessible to visitors.

Hangzhou also promotes public access and local development through accessible museum exhibitions, cultural tourism routes, and rural initiatives linked to Liangzhu culture.

Going forward, the city plans to expand heritage protection coverage, advance archaeological research at the Southern Song imperial city site, develop archaeological parks, and strengthen international cultural outreach.