2025 Dual Events at ZISU: Canal Seminar & Zhejiang Geographical Society Annual Conference

The 2025 International Seminar on "The Canal for the People, The Canal for Tourists" and the Annual Conference of Zhejiang Geographical Society were successfully held at Zhejiang International Studies University (ZISU) on October 23. Under the theme of "Geographical Linkages and Civilizational Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Canal Dialogue in the Construction of a New International Relations", the events focused on three core goals: stepping up the protection, inheritance and utilization of China’s Grand Canal cultural heritage; promoting exchanges between Chinese and world civilizations; and driving innovation in geographical research.

A highlight of the events was the signing of a cooperation agreement between Hangzhou Gongshu District and ZISU. Under this partnership, the two parties will joint hands to leverage social sciences resources, develop a "Canal Culture Demonstration Zone" and an "International Communication Pilot Zone", and provide robust support for the high-quality development of local economy and the high-level construction of ZISU.

Also held during the events was the unveiling of the "Grand Canal Civilization Exchange and Mutual Learning Collaborative Innovation Center" - a research base recently accredited by the provincial education department.

Additionally, ZISU Grand Canal International Research Center and the Institute of Area and Country Studies of Peking University jointly released the 2024 Eurasian Canal City Index report, offering data-driven insights into canal city development across Eurasia.

The dual events further featured a keynote speech session and 6 parallel forums. Over the sessions, Chinese and international scholars engaged in discussions on critical issues, including "Geospatial AI and Sustainable Development" and "Protection of Canal Cultural Heritage, Tourism Development and Civilizational Exchanges and Mutual Learning".

10月23日，2025“人民的运河 游客的运河”国际学术研讨会暨浙江省地理学会2025年学术年会在浙江外国语学院举行。会议围绕“地理纽带与文明交流互鉴：新型国际关系构建中的运河对话”主题，聚焦深化中国大运河文化遗产保护传承利用，推动中外文明对话与地理研究创新。

会议举行了杭州市拱墅区人民政府和浙江外国语学院战略合作签约仪式。双方将共同推动社科赋能，打造“运河文化示范区”“国际传播先行区”等，为地方经济高质量发展和高校高水平建设增添动能。

会议举行了第八批浙江省教育厅协同创新中心——“大运河文明交流互鉴协同创新中心”揭牌仪式。

会上，浙江外国语学院大运河国际研究中心和北京大学区域与国别研究院联合发布了《2024亚欧运河城市指数》报告。

本次会议还设置主旨报告环节和6场分论坛，与会中外专家学者围绕“地理空间人工智能与可持续发展”“运河文化遗产保护、旅游开发与文明交流互鉴”等议题开展了专题探讨。