The Zhangjiagang section of the Yangtze River. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
Zhangjiagang hosted a cultural dialogue titled "Hundreds of Scenic Spots" on Oct 25 in an effort to explore the development of the National Cultural Park of the Yangtze River. Four leading experts — He Yunao, Zhang Hongyan, Cheng Changchun, and Qin Zongcai — offered in-depth interpretations and diverse perspectives on the protection and innovation of Yangtze River culture.
This year's program frames its narrative around "Charm of Jiangsu · Hundreds of Yangtze River Scenic Spots", presenting a flowing cultural scroll in which landscapes along the river collectively tell the story of Jiangsu's Yangtze civilization.
Professor He Yunao, director of the Nanjing University Institute of Cultural and Natural Heritage, noted that the scenic spots along the Yangtze River reveal the depth, richness, and creativity of Jiangsu's Yangtze culture. From the river's vast waters and iconic bridges to its scenic shorelines, finless porpoise populations, and historical towns and villages, these elements together portray a vivid picture of harmony between people and water. He called for interdisciplinary approaches to uncovering the cultural significance behind each landscape, providing intellectual support for the development of Yangtze River Economic Belt and the National Cultural Park.
Zhang Hongyan, director of the Institute for Urban Science at Nanjing University, focused on the transition "from scenery to experience", seeing it as a solution to transforming scenic resources into new cultural and economic drivers. He argued that the scenic spots should evolve beyond viewing and instead become immersive, participatory, and memorable environments shaped by a "sense of place" and cultural capital. He proposed selecting key nodes with high experiential value among the scenic spots along the Yangtze River to create spaces where people can "walk in, sit down, and stay", bringing Yangtze River culture into everyday life.
Viewing the scenic spots as a "cultural gene bank", Cheng Changchun, director of the Jiangsu Yangtze River Economic Belt Research Institute at Nantong University, emphasized the need to move from symbolic representation to deeper interpretation. He highlighted the importance of analyzing each site through ecological, social, and historical dimensions to uncover the underlying logic that connects past and present. Cheng also underscored the role of digital innovation, arguing that technology is essential for making intangible cultural value "visible, readable, and perceptible".
"Where culture prospers, the economy thrives". Speaking from the perspective of cultural communication, Qin Zongcai, director of the Research Institute of Yangtze River Culture at Yangzhou University, outlined strategies to amplify the influence of Yangtze River culture. He advocated for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach enhanced by digital tools, helping make the cultural heritage of the Yangtze "knowable, tangible, and experienceable". He added that the "Hundreds of Yangtze River Scenic Spots" initiative not only embodies the essence of "Charm of Jiangsu", but also reflects Jiangsu's development philosophy of connecting scenic pearls into a chain that drives broader regional growth.
Over the past three years, Jiangsu has continuously explored Yangtze River culture. What began as theoretical research has expanded into public participation; the work has moved from cataloging resources to activating their cultural and economic value. This evolving journey ensures that the stories of the Yangtze River continue to flow into people's daily lives.