Chinese City Seeks Greek Expertise for UNESCO Heritage Bid

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A high-level delegation from the historic Chinese city of Chaozhou visited the Ionian Islands Regional Authority in Corfu on Friday to seek expertise from local officials as the city prepares its bid for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ionian Islands Regional Governor Giannis Trepeklis welcomed the delegation, which included representatives from Chaozhou’s local government and cultural sector, including Zhuang Songtai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Chaozhou Municipal Party Committee; Chen Duiyi, president of the Chaozhou Federation of Overseas Chinese; and federation office director Hong Yangxiong.

Representatives from the Chaozhou Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Teochew Association of Greece also took part in the meeting.

The main focus was the exchange of expertise ahead of Chaozhou’s preparations for its UNESCO World Heritage nomination.

Chaozhou, recognised as a National Historical and Cultural City of China, has more than 1,600 years of history and attracts around 20 million visitors each year, according to information presented during the meeting.

Trepeklis presented Corfu’s experience of securing UNESCO World Heritage status between 2004 and 2007. He said he personally coordinated the process while serving as mayor of Corfu at the time.

He highlighted the importance of preparing a fully documented scientific dossier, maintaining close diplomatic cooperation with UNESCO headquarters in Paris and developing a comprehensive Management Plan.

“Respect for education and culture is deeply embedded in the DNA of our peoples,” Trepeklis said.

He added that UNESCO inscription represents more than a bureaucratic application, describing it as the local community’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage for future generations while linking monument conservation with sustainable tourism and economic development.

Trepeklis also discussed opportunities to strengthen relations between the Ionian Islands and China, with particular emphasis on tourism, culture, education and entrepreneurship.

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