World Media Summit delegates discuss heritage at Beijing's historic heart

BEIJING, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of media organizations, government agencies and international organizations attending the 7th World Media Summit gathered in downtown Beijing on Thursday for an event highlighting the city's Central Axis.

The 7th World Media Summit, co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency and the Beijing Municipal Government, runs from Thursday to Monday in Beijing.

The event was held in the historic Longfu Temple neighborhood on the sidelines of the summit, featuring experiences showcasing intangible cultural heritage.

Addressing the event, Xi Yanchun, vice president of Xinhua News Agency, expressed the hope that the guests will experience the charm of Beijing, a city steeped in history, and appreciate the profound heritage of fine traditional Chinese culture.

It is also hoped that all parties will seize the World Media Summit as an opportunity to harness the power of the media, build consensus and work together to inject positive energy into world peace and development, she said.

Sima Hong, deputy mayor of Beijing, told event participants that the city has been restoring cultural relics, preserving the character of historic neighborhoods, and improving residents' lives along the Central Axis since it was listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 2024.

The Central Axis runs north to south through the heart of historical Beijing, consisting of ancient landmarks, such as the Bell and Drum Towers and the Forbidden City.

The Longfu Temple neighborhood, a centuries-old district located near the Central Axis, has been revitalized as a new cultural hub increasingly popular with young people and overseas tourists.

Several delegates agreed that the media should play its role in highlighting and safeguarding cultural heritage, and effectively use digital technologies to promote dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations.

The World Media Summit, initiated in 2009, is an important global platform for media exchange and cooperation. This year's summit draws delegates from 112 countries and regions, as well as representatives of international organizations, to discuss multiple topics, including AI and media development.