Wenzhou, a city in east China’s Zhejiang Province, has received recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on two occasions within a month for its significant efforts in cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development. The recent accolades highlight Wenzhou’s commitment to integrating cultural heritage with tourism and promoting sustainable practices.
The acknowledgments coincide with the 2025 Maritime Silk Road Urban Cooperation & Development Conference held in Wenzhou, where over 300 participants from various countries gathered on November 19. During this event, Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, delivered a video address emphasizing Wenzhou’s historical role in maritime trade and cultural exchange. He noted that the city exemplifies the enduring spirit of openness and connectivity that the Maritime Silk Road embodies.
UNESCO officially recognized Wenzhou’s achievements with a certificate sent from Paris on November 3, 2025. The organization commended Wenzhou for its systematic efforts in protecting cultural heritage, particularly traditional skills, and for its notable contributions to leveraging culture for sustainable development. According to UNESCO, Wenzhou stands out for its role in preserving valuable cultural elements, including historical knowledge and ancient Chinese grammar.
Wenzhou boasts a rich history, with over 5,000 years of civilization and more than 2,210 years as an urban center. The city is home to 35 national, 159 provincial, and 836 municipal intangible cultural heritage items. In recent years, Wenzhou has undertaken various initiatives to promote the creative transformation of its intangible cultural heritage. This includes the establishment of workshops and international communication research centers aimed at enhancing cultural education and making local culture more visible on the global stage.
Wenzhou’s dedication to integrating its cultural heritage into contemporary education and tourism continues to drive its development. The city’s recognition by UNESCO underscores its role as a significant player in the global dialogue on culture and sustainability, highlighting its ongoing commitment to preserving its rich traditions while adapting to modern challenges.
