Conservation and Communication Strategy for the Grand Canal Cultural Heritage with the Theoretical Framework of 5Cs

Abstract

Since ancient China, the Grand Canal has become the backbone of the nation, exerting profound and far reaching influence on Chinese communication and transportation system. Studies concerning the Grand Canal have increased greatly since it entered into the World Heritage List in 2014. However, most researches are focused upon practical issues, such as repairing or restoring relative river canals, scenery spots and museums. Under the more complex and serious conditions of world ecosystem and cultural conflicts, more research work is needed to enhance the theoretical understanding for the Grand Canal and promote the Grand Canal Cultural Heritage globally, aiming to build a community of shared future for mankind. With the guidance of "5Cs" of <i>Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention</i>, this paper discusses better conservation and communication strategies for the Grand Canal by highlighting its outstanding universal value, improving its credibility with scientific conservation of the authenticity and integrity of the Grand Canal, focusing on capacity-building for better convention and application of the cultural heritage resources and encouraging social communities to work together for the global communication of the Grand Canal. Meanwhile, a multi-modal and multilingual database for the historical and cultural resources of the Grand Canal will be established by means of big data, digital technology and all-media technology. It is hoped to provide meaningful reference for the more rational and scientific conservation and communication of the Grand Canal while China is planning to build the National Grand Canal Cultural Park.