Dengfeng celebrates its new title of 'International City of Peace'

On November 16th, through its official website, the International Cities of Peace organization announced to the world that Dengfeng, a city of Henan Province, has become the 394th city globally and the fourth city in China to earn the distinction of being an "International City of Peace". With its world-class cultural attractions such as the UNESCO-listed "Center of Heaven and Earth" historical building complex, the intangible cultural heritage of the 24 Solar Terms, Songshan World Geopark, and the renowned Shaolin Kung Fu, Dengfeng city now adds another recognition to its list.

How did Dengfeng make it to the list of International Cities of Peace?

The geological stability of the Songshan mountain area, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, and a historical and cultural center inthe Xia, Shang, and Zhou Dynasties, has embedded rich cultural legacies. Over 3000 years, the profound cultural heritage symbolized by the "Center of Heaven and Earth" historical building complex in Dengfeng reflects the aspirations of the ancient Chinese people, who contemplated the universe, comprehended natural principles, planned spatial layouts, and advocated peace among nations.

At the foot of Songshan Mountain, Songyang Academy, Zhongyue Temple, and Shaolin Temple are excellent representatives of this heritage. They represent a cultural panorama where Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism coexist harmoniously, which is in the same line with the thought of the "Great Harmony of the World". Confucianism advocates "harmony in diversity" and seeks harmony for coexistence and growth. Daoism strives for harmony between man and nature, man and society, individuals with one another, and harmony within a person's body and mind. Buddhism is self-benefiting and altruistic, aiming to purify personal souls and the living environment of the community to achieve harmony in interpersonal relationships. There are many other similar cultural relics as well, such as the three Han Que gates, which recorded cultural exchanges between the Roman Empire and the Eastern Han Dynasty over 1,900 years ago. The Songyue Pagoda, built 1500 years ago, is an exemplary fusion of diverse civilizations from ancient India, Persia, the Western Regions, and China.

Dengfeng steps onto the international platform for peace

After tireless efforts, Dengfeng's application was officially approved on November 7th. On November 16th, through a video announcement, the International Cities of Peace organization declared Dengfeng as the 394th International City of Peace in the world.

Since the 1980s when the movieShaolin Templegained worldwide attention, the Shaolin Temple has become a focal point of interest for global visitors seeking to tour and learn Shaolin martial arts. Dengfeng has seized this great opportunity and actively promoted Songshan and Shaolin cultures to people around the world, building a bridge of peace and friendship. It is gradually advancing as a world-renowned tourist city. Since Dengfeng has become an International City of Peace, the International Peace Cities Alliance will offer this city a platform for becoming a world-class tourist city, expanding the international influence of Songshan culture.

How Dengfeng will shine on the world stage with its new title

As an International City of Peace, Dengfeng will actively integrate into the network of International Cities of Peace, organizing a series of events such as international peace and culture forums and academic conferences. It will also incorporate Zhengzhou's International Shaolin Martial Arts Festival, Songshan Forum, and the Zhengzhou International Mayor's Forum on Tourism, fostering new platforms for international cultural exchanges and economic cooperation.

It is reported that Dengfeng has set its own goals in the face of such a meaningful event as building an international city of peace. More than 700 tour guides in Dengfeng will devote themselves to the promotion of the concept of peace and the International Cities of Peace. Within 3-5 years, peace education courses will gradually be introduced to most campuses in Dengfeng, and "Kung Fu and Peace" professorships recognized by the United Nations will also be set up in colleges and universities in Dengfeng. Additionally, peace study topics at major festivals and large-scale international and domestic forums will be set every year. Dengfeng will also actively advocate peace and help more tourist cities to join the International Peace Cities Alliance. (By Wang Yanhui/ Henan Daily, correspondent Song Yuewei)