Nearly 100 mayors, city delegates and international experts from over 10 countries gathered in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, for the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue to explore cultural heritage preservation, industrial transformation and urban renewal.
Held from Friday to Sunday, the event culminated in the release of the Luoyang Consensus on Urban Civilization, which calls for people-centered development, a green transition, and mutual learning among civilizations.
Three themed dialogue sessions were held at cultural heritage sites and industrial facilities, focusing on cultural heritage preservation, intelligent manufacturing and urban renewal. Participants visited the Longmen Grottoes, the ruins of the Sui and Tang dynasties' capital city in Luoyang, Luoyi Ancient City and local manufacturing enterprises.
Participants have highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges and cooperation.
"It is excellent, everything, the hospitality, the people here are very good, so friendly," said Aimilia Tziva, deputy mayor of Irakleio in Attica, Greece. "The good thing is learning from each other. Some of the meetings I've had, and the conversations that have taken place is about learning from other people, and I think it's been great to hear what goes well and what doesn't go well and what we can take back to Durham," said Tony Hanson, corporate director of regeneration, economy and growth at Durham County Council in England.
During the main dialogue, Zhang Yujie, the mayor of Luoyang, addressed the attendees and shared his city's experience balancing heritage preservation with modern urban development.
Discussions covered how cities can make better use of their cultural resources, develop tourism and creative industries, and create new economic opportunities while protecting their historical identity.
"The dialogue is very, very interesting, and it's a beautiful dialogue because [it involves] a lot of different cities, and we realize the connection from Luoyang to all the world, in particular with Italy. And it's a good experience staying here," said Stefano Mazzetti, chief of cabinet of the Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy. During the event, Chinese and international guests visited several manufacturing facilities in Luoyang, including Luoyang Bearing Group's smart factory, CITIC Heavy Industries' heavy-duty computer numerical control (CNC) machining workshop and China YTO Group's high-horsepower tractor production line. They also test-drove Dongfanghong tractors, gaining firsthand insight into advances in China's intelligent manufacturing sector.
The dialogue provided a platform for participating cities to exchange experiences in cultural heritage preservation, industrial development and urban renewal, while exploring opportunities for international cooperation.
Global mayors gather in central China for discussion on urban development
