The 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue·Huangshan officially opened on May 29 in Huangshan City, East China's Anhui Province. Bringing together local government representatives from around the world, the event provides a platform for cities to exchange ideas on development, governance, and cultural preservation.
During the event, I met Ghofar Ismail, Head of the DPMPTSP Agency of Indonesia's Yogyakarta Special Region, who traveled all the way from Indonesia to participate in the dialogue and explore Huangshan firsthand.
After speaking with him, I realized that the value of the event goes beyond discussions in conference halls. Equally important is what visiting officials can see, experience, and learn on the ground.
For Ghofar, one of the most impressive stops was Hongcun, an ancient village in Huangshan that dates back more than 900 years. Known for its distinctive Hui-style architecture, white-walled houses, black-tiled roofs, and picturesque waterways, Hongcun is often described as a living museum of traditional Chinese rural life. It was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2000 for its well-preserved historical layout and cultural significance.
He explained that Yogyakarta, a cultural center in Indonesia known for its historical heritage, faces challenges in balancing preservation and daily life. What impressed him most is how Hongcun continues to function as a living community. Residents still live and work there, while modern amenities have been integrated in ways that preserve the village's traditional features.
"From the outside, it looks very old, but inside the buildings you can find modern facilities and functions," he said. "That strategy is very interesting."
He noted that Yogyakarta hopes to learn from Huangshan's experience in protecting and managing cultural heritage sites. In particular, he believes the approach used in Hongcun demonstrates how historical authenticity can be maintained while adapting to contemporary needs.
His comments reflect one of the key goals of the Global Mayors Dialogue: creating opportunities for cities to learn directly from each other's practices. Through face-to-face exchanges and on-site visits, participants can gain practical insights that may help address challenges back home.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Video & Poster: Li Fangwang
Photo: Li Fangwang
