The 2025 Grand Canal Cultural Belt Beijing-Hangzhou Dialogue opens in Beijing. [Photo/cztv.com]

The 2025 Grand Canal Cultural Belt Beijing-Hangzhou Dialogue opened on May 29 in Beijing, titled "Sails Racing, Canal Thriving".

The event, jointly hosted by the publicity offices of Beijing, Zhejiang, and Hangzhou, aims to deepen cooperation and cultural exchange along the historic waterway.

Since its launch in 2019, the dialogue has become a key platform for promoting the Grand Canal's cultural heritage. This year's event highlights the canal's transformation in both Beijing and Hangzhou. In Beijing, more than 5 billion cubic meters of water have revitalized the waterway, supporting greenways, wetlands, and the newly designated 5A-level Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Zone in Tongzhou district. In Hangzhou, places such as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Museum and Hangzhou Grand Canal Steelworks Park have emerged as cultural landmarks.

Han Meilin speaks at the event. [Photo/cztv.com]

The opening ceremony gathered scholars and artists from China and abroad, including artist Han Meilin and cultural expert Meng Man. They emphasized the canal's significance as a symbol of China's ingenuity and cross-cultural dialogue. International guests highlighted potential collaborations, such as Brazil's canal heritage and traditional boatbuilding.

Rafael Henrique Zerbetto, a Brazilian journalist based in Beijing, invites Brazil to learn from China's experiences in canal heritage preservation. [Photo/cztv.com]

The event also launched a global promotional campaign for Grand Canal IP, including the mascot "Hexi", collectible toys, and a new museum guidebook featuring 52 museums along the canal. In addition, a new education initiative was unveiled, uniting schools in eight provinces to teach students about the canal's cultural value.

Hexi, the mascot of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, created by Han Meilin and his team. [Photo/cztv.com]

A new museum guidebook featuring 52 museums along the canal is launched. [Photo/cztv.com]

Exhibitions, performances, and a canal-themed market further engaged the public, showcasing the vibrant legacy of a waterway that has shaped Chinese civilization for over a millennium.

An exhibition of cultural symbols from Beijing and Zhejiang province. [Photo/cztv.com]