The 2025 Yangtze River Civilization Forum, themed „Crossing Rivers and Seas, Mutual Learning Among Civilizations,“ opened in Chongqing on September 17.

The forum brought together experts and scholars from home and abroad to exchange ideas and build consensus on protecting and inheriting the Yangtze River civilization, promoting high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and facilitating mutual learning among major river civilizations worldwide.

„I have visited China many times to explore the ancient civilization of the Yangtze River basin, while the Nile civilization is the one I was born and raised in,“ said a professor from Egypt. „Although China’s Yangtze River and Egypt’s Nile are far apart, the civilizations nurtured by these two rivers share profound connections in terms of cultural exchange, historical heritage, and humanistic spirit. Most notably, both civilizations are characterized by their long history and diversity, with core elements including agriculture, industry, commerce, and construction. They have continued uninterrupted from ancient times to the present, still full of vitality.“

The professor believes that rivers are not only geographical „water veins“ but also „cultural veins“ for the inheritance of civilization. Building on the millennial dialogue between the two civilizations, the two countries can expand research on the value and unique cultural connotations of the two rivers, leading to diverse cooperation in fields such as culture and tourism.

The head of the archaeology department at a university in Pakistan stated that the Indus Valley civilization and Chinese civilization have deep connections. Pakistan and China are both important regions for the continuous development of human civilization, with human habitation dating back to the Stone Age, laying the foundation for cooperation in archaeology and historical research.

He expressed that through the Yangtze River Civilization Forum, he is gradually becoming familiar with Chongqing’s history and culture. He plans to further explore relevant archaeological sites through field visits, deeply study site protection and revitalization experiences, and discover more commonalities between Pakistani and Chinese civilizations.

It is understood that Chongqing hosted the first Yangtze River Civilization Forum in 2023. In 2024, with approval from the central authorities, the forum was upgraded to a permanent provincial-ministerial level forum, becoming the only provincial-ministerial level forum dedicated to river civilization (culture) in the Yangtze River basin.

The forum was jointly organized by the Chongqing Municipal Committee and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. During the event, Chongqing will also host a series of cultural exchange activities, including the 2025 Longgupo Site Academic Seminar, the 2025 World Great River Song Festival, the Yangtze River Basin Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange Exhibition, the „New Rhyme Chongqing“ drone performance, and Yangtze River culture exploration and exchange activities.

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and a cradle of Chinese civilization, with a history of human settlement and agriculture dating back millennia. It has served as a vital transportation route and economic artery throughout China’s history. Today, it is also famous for the monumental Three Gorges Dam.

Nile

The Nile is a major north-flowing river in northeastern Africa, historically considered the longest river in the world. It was the cradle of ancient Egyptian civilization, providing water, fertile soil, and a transportation route that allowed the society to flourish for millennia. Its annual flooding cycle was the foundation of Egypt’s agricultural wealth and was central to its cultural and religious beliefs.

Indus Valley

The Indus Valley was home to one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, which flourished around 3300-1300 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. It is renowned for its advanced, meticulously planned cities, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, which featured sophisticated water management systems and standardized brick construction. The civilization’s decline remains a subject of debate among scholars, with theories ranging from climate change to the migration of new populations.

Longgupo Site

The Longgupo Site is an early Paleolithic archaeological site in Chongqing, China, first excavated in the mid-1980s. It is renowned for the discovery of hominin fossils and stone tools that some scholars have controversially suggested may belong to a population of early *Homo erectus*. The findings from this site have contributed significantly to the study of human evolution in East Asia.

Yangtze River Economic Belt

The Yangtze River Economic Belt is a major national development strategy in China, officially launched in 2016 to drive economic growth along the Yangtze River’s basin. It encompasses 11 provinces and municipalities, aiming to promote coordinated development, environmental protection, and high-quality economic practices. The strategy builds upon the historical and economic significance of the Yangtze River, which has been a vital transport artery and cultural heartland of China for millennia.

Yangtze River Civilization Forum

The Yangtze River Civilization Forum is a modern academic conference and cultural exchange platform dedicated to the study and promotion of the ancient civilizations that flourished along the Yangtze River. It serves to highlight the region’s profound history, which rivals that of the Yellow River, and includes significant archaeological discoveries like the Liangzhu culture. The forum brings together scholars to discuss the river’s role as a cradle of Chinese civilization and its enduring cultural impact.

Yangtze River Basin Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange Exhibition

The Yangtze River Basin Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange Exhibition is a modern showcase dedicated to preserving and promoting the diverse living traditions along China’s longest river. It features crafts, performances, and rituals from various ethnic groups, highlighting centuries-old practices passed down through generations. The exhibition serves as a vital platform for cultural exchange and raising public awareness about these endangered traditions.

World Great River Song Festival

The World Great River Song Festival is an international cultural event that celebrates the musical traditions of communities living along the world’s major rivers. It was established to promote cultural exchange and highlight the shared heritage and folk music of these diverse regions. The festival typically features performances by choirs and musical groups from various countries, all connected by their relationship to great rivers like the Danube, Volga, and Mississippi.