Guangzhou, Galle partner to boost heritage tourism

China and Sri Lanka have stepped up bilateral cooperation in heritage-led tourism and cultural economy development, leveraging their historic trade links along the Maritime Silk Road to unlock new economic and diplomatic opportunities. 

The initiative comes as both countries seek to strengthen soft power and regional connectivity through strategic heritage partnerships. 

In a landmark event, Guangzhou in China, and Galle in Sri Lanka, under the Alliance for Maritime Silk Road Heritage Conservation and World Heritage Nomination (CAMSR) have announced a collaborative initiative to protect cultural heritage and promote heritage tourism.
The partnership, unveiled during the “Guangzhou Culture Week” held in Galle this week.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Chief of the Guangzhou Culture Tourism Bureau and Chief of Guangzhou Culture Heritage Bureau Liu Xiao-Ming emphasised the significance of the collaboration.

“We are willing to work with Galle on cultural heritage protection and tourism development along the Maritime Silk Road,” he stated. 

“By discovering, highlighting, and promoting this shared heritage, we aim to enrich our cities’ cultural identities and enhance their global influence.”
At the occasion, representing Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Managing Director Sampath Nishshanka signed an MOU on protecting cultural heritage and promoting heritage tourism with Guangzhou authorities.

The event was organised by the Office of City Alliance for Maritime Silk Road heritage conservation and World Heritage Nomination (CAMSR) with Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism Bureau, China.

Liu highlighting Galle’s historical role as a pivotal hub on the Maritime Silk Road, noted that since the Han Dynasty, goods such as silk, porcelain, and tea from Guangzhou traversed the Indian Ocean via the Strait of Malacca, fostering centuries of cross-cultural exchange. 

“A key symbol of this legacy is the ‘Zheng He’s Tablet of Donation at Sri Pada Temple’ in Galle, recently recognised as a UNESCO World Memory Heritage through joint Sino-Sri Lankan efforts. The tablet, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, epitomises the Silk Road spirit of “peace, cooperation, openness, and mutual benefit,” he said.

The partnership will focus on collaborative archaeological research, heritage site preservation, and the development of cultural tourism routes. Initiatives such as the “Floral Whisper Along the Silk Road” and “Cultural Journey of Maritime Silk Road” aim to engage communities through exhibitions, academic exchanges, and experiential tourism programmes. 

Guangzhou and Galle also plan to leverage their strategic locations to boost economic ties, with 2025 marking the 610th anniversary of Zheng He’s voyages, a symbolic milestone for joint celebrations.