Hehe Culture Forum Opens in Zhejiang, Highlighting Traditional Wisdom and Global Dialogue

The 2026 edition of the Hehe Culture Forum commenced on October 27 in Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province, drawing participants from 23 countries. According to a Beijing Review report, the event focuses on the contemporary relevance of "Hehe," a concept combining harmony and cooperation. The gathering takes place in Tiantai, recognized as a convergence point for Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

Historical Roots and Modern Relevance

The forum's discussions reference a statement by Qing Dynasty philosopher Gong Zizhen regarding the study of history to understand fundamental societal laws. Reports note that Chinese President Xi Jinping previously cited this philosophical remark in May 2022 during a Political Bureau group study session on Chinese civilization history, emphasizing the importance of traditional culture.

Preservation and Heritage Milestones

• Legislative and Survey Efforts: China initiated a fourth national survey on cultural heritage and implemented a newly revised Law on Cultural Relics Protection that entered into force in 2025.
• UNESCO Listings: Recent international recognitions include the inscription of the Beijing Central Axis in 2024, the Xixia Imperial Tombs in 2025, and traditional tea-processing techniques alongside the Chinese Spring Festival in preceding years.

Practical Implications and Verification

Organizers report that systematic heritage preservation aims to support contemporary cultural innovation and cross-cultural dialogue, helping diverse nations find shared foundations beyond ideological divides.

Readers can verify the original announcements and explore related multimedia content through official channels, including the Beijing Review website (bjreview.com) and associated social media platforms on X, Facebook, and Weibo.