The 2026 Beijing Culture Forum opened on September 22, gathering global practitioners and scholars for dialogue on cultural heritage and mutual learning among civilizations.
Michel Picaud, Founding President of Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, highlighted the value of Sino-French collaboration on the Notre-Dame de Paris restoration project in an interview with South.
"We need the support from Chinese experts to do such a complicated restoration. And I think this support from China is very important for us," Picaud noted. He stressed that skill sharing and experience exchanges allow both nations to enrich their heritage preservation capabilities.
Picaud also spoke about the growing role of AI and digital technologies in monument conservation. Sensor networks and pre-fire 3D scans helped avoid further structural damage and guided precise reconstruction of the cathedral's vaults and interior. While traditional craftsmanship remained the core of restoration, invisible modern technical safeguards were added against fire and harsh weather.
Reporter | Dong Han
Video | Dong Han
Cover image | Global Times
