The chronicles. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hangzhou, known for its West Lake, the Grand Canal, and the Archaeological Ruins City of Liangzhu, stands as a significant cultural treasure and heritage for the entire Chinese nation. These invaluable resources have played a pivotal role in the city's history and cultural progress.

To chronicle the moments and stories during Hangzhou's application for three World Heritage Sites, the Hangzhou municipal government orchestrated the Hangzhou World Heritage Application Chronicles, a literary work which was published recently.

The series, totaling 600,000 words, took more than a year to compile.

Zhuo Jun, deputy director of the Hangzhou municipal bureau of gardens and cultural relics, said that while there have been numerous reports, articles, and books regarding Hangzhou's World Heritage Sites and efforts to get them listed as World Heritage Sites in the past, most of them were fragmented or incomplete. In contrast, the current collection provides readers with a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the application process for Hangzhou's three World Heritage Sites.

By extensively collecting data and conducting in-depth interviews with eyewitnesses and field experts involved in the application process, the chronicles vividly illustrate the ins and outs and the historical significance of Hangzhou's World Heritage Sites. The stories, containing vibrant anecdotes, are both informative and literary, adding historical value and readability to the collection.

During the inaugural ceremony, a book-giving ceremony took place, and a photography exhibition showcasing Hangzhou's World Heritage Sites was displayed. The exhibition added a visual dimension to the celebration, providing a rich display of the city's cultural heritage.

The book-giving ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: hzzx0913]