The Ancient City Dialogue and Exchange Activities are held in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on May 16. [Photo/Tide News]

East China's Zhejiang province and four of China's most renowned ancient cities joined forces on May 16 for the sustainable development of historic city areas.

Representatives from Pingyao in Shanxi province, Lijiang in Yunnan province, Langzhong in Sichuan province, and Huizhou in Anhui province joined peers from Taizhou and 11 other ancient city vitalization pilot sites in Zhejiang on May 16 to issue a joint declaration titled the Consensus on Ancient City Revitalization.

The consensus emphasizes international cooperation and knowledge-sharing, calling for deeper exchanges with historic cities worldwide. It proposes collaborative exhibitions and cultural exchange programs to showcase the unique legacy of Chinese urban civilization on the global stage.

The engagement of youth also features prominently in the statement. The document urges support for young people's participation in cultural preservation, creative industries, and entrepreneurial initiatives, aiming to infuse ancient cities with new energy and ensure the continued transmission of cultural heritage across generations.