World Canal Cities Forum takes place in Yangzhou

The 2018 World Canal Cities Forum opens in Yangzhou on Oct 11. [Photo/chinanews.com]

The 2018 World Canal Cities Forum was held in Yangzhou from Oct 11 to 13, attracting over 300 representatives from more than 30 countries and 20 international organizations.

The forum, first held in Yangzhou in 2007, has become a platform with a strong influence for exchanges and cooperation in economic and cultural matters among canal cities.

This year's forum was co-organized by the China National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation (CNCPEC) and World Historic and Cultural Canal Cities Cooperation Organization (WCCO), a non-profit international organization formed in 2009 by a number of canal cities and economic or cultural institutions worldwide.

Themed on the protection, inheritance and use of canal city culture throughout the world, a main forum and four sub-forums were organized during the event for experts to share their thoughts, focusing on several topics including ecological urban construction and cultural tourism cooperation.

A series of activities such as a WCCO Cooperation Symposium, a picture exhibition and the First Canal Theme International Micro Film Festival were also held to boost the development of canal culture.

A picture exhibition showcasing the charm of canal cities is held during the forum. [Photo/chinanews.com]