April 18th is the International Day of Monuments and Sites established by UNESCO every year. On April 18th, the China Association for the Protection of Historic Sites, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics, and the Beijing Central Axis Application and Protection Office jointly held the International Day of Historic Sites and Sites in China at the Yuanmingyuan. This event revolves around the theme of "Transforming Cultural Heritage" on this year's International Day of Monuments and Sites. Through expert speeches, roundtable discussions, public exchanges, exhibitions, and other links, we explore and reflect on the protection and utilization of cultural heritage in the changing times. Transforming cultural heritage Today's world is undergoing a great change that has not happened in a century. In a world where changes and uncertainties have become the norm, from geopolitical conflicts to climate and environmental changes, from social thought changes to scientific and technological revolution, cultural heritage will bring risks and challenges. Song Xinchao, Chairman of the China Association for the Protection of Historic Sites, stated that "cultural heritage in transformation" can be understood from two perspectives: firstly, the position of cultural heritage in transformation, difficulties encountered, and solutions; The second is the role, contribution, and value created by cultural heritage in transformation. Song Xinchao explained that with the development of the times, people's understanding of the value of heritage is also constantly changing. For example, the Grand Canal, a world cultural heritage, has accumulated rich cultural heritage in the process of continuous change. From the ancient military transportation supply channel, to the water transport system that bears the national tax function, to the lifeline that maintains the national political and cultural security, Grand Canal is a barometer of political and historical changes. The changes in spatial pattern from the Sui Tang Canal to the Beijing Hangzhou Canal reflect the founding process of the Chinese national community consciousness and the unification of a multi-ethnic country. The transformation of the international order and the intensification of conflicts have led to the destruction of cultural heritage in wars or terrorist events. For example, in 2001, the Taliban in Afghanistan bombed two great Buddhas in Bamiyan, and in August 2015, extremist groups in Syria bombed ancient Roman ruins such as the Arc de Triomphe and the temple in the historic city of Bamiyan. Climate change and natural disasters also have a significant impact on cultural heritage. In 2016, the extreme rainfall caused by Typhoon "Moranti" caused flooding and damage to the Taishun Langqiao Xuezhai Bridge. In July 2019, Mogao Grottoes were hit by extreme rainfall, which not only caused the falling of rock fragments on the cliff of the caves, but also caused the torrential floods caused by rainstorm that destroyed the only way to enter the caves. The heritage site was forced to take emergency plans and suspend its opening. These extreme disasters and weather caused by climate change have a huge impact on the physical security of cultural heritage in the short term. The changes in temperature, sea level, and other factors brought about by climate change will change the environment on which heritage sites rely, thereby changing a series of work modes from protection to management, and directly threatening their heritage value, "said Song Xinchao. Economic and social changes can also affect people's understanding and attitudes towards cultural heritage. With economic transformation and social development, many ancient cities are facing difficult choices in protection and development. During this process, many historical and cultural relics have been demolished or transformed, making it difficult to preserve the historical and cultural information they carry. Cities such as Venice and Budapest have all received warnings from UNESCO to face the impact of excessive development on cultural heritage
Edit：He ChengXi Responsible editor：Tang WanQi
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