Imagine a city where 8,000 years of history meet the cutting edge of the future. That's the kind of energy Jelena Medakovic, the Secretary of Culture of Belgrade, was vibing with recently during her visit to Huangshan!
Medakovic traveled to the stunning city of Huangshan to take part in the Global Mayors Dialogue. This isn't just another formal meeting; it's a global brainstorm where urban managers from all over the world swap secrets on how to keep ancient cities thriving while moving forward into the modern era. 🌍💬
During a chat with CGTN's Yang Xinmeng, Medakovic opened up about the parallels between Belgrade—another ancient powerhouse with nearly 8,000 years of history—and the urban landscapes she's seen in China. One thing that really caught her eye? The absolute explosion of Chinese brands on the streets. She jokingly described the automotive scene as being "like a car fair," highlighting just how dominant and innovative Chinese EVs and cars have become. 🚗💨
But beyond the tech, it's the heritage protection that truly impressed her. Medakovic praised the way the Chinese mainland preserves its cultural treasures while seamlessly integrating traditional elements into sleek, modern architecture. It's a delicate balance of honoring the past without getting stuck in it.
The biggest takeaway? Medakovic believes that China's approach to protecting intangible cultural heritage—the traditions, stories, and crafts that you can't touch but can definitely feel—is a total game-changer. According to her, these practices are a gold standard that countries everywhere should be learning from. 🌟
Whether it's through preserving ancient pagodas or pioneering new city management styles, the dialogue in Huangshan proves that staying connected to our roots is the best way to build a future that actually resonates. ✨🏛️
Reference(s):
China's heritage protection is exemplary: Global Mayor's Dialogue
cgtn.com
