Hehe Culture Forum brings global dialogue to Taizhou, Zhejiang

The 2026 Hehe Culture Forum was held Tuesday in Taizhou, eastern China's Zhejiang province, bringing together more than 220 participants from 23 countries to discuss cultural exchange, global governance, and international cooperation.

Originating in Taizhou, Hehe Culture is a traditional Chinese philosophy centered on harmony, inclusiveness, and unity without uniformity.

Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG); Zhang Xuewei, vice chairman of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; and Wang Jian, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Taizhou Municipal Committee, delivered opening remarks.

Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers opening remarks at the 2026 Hehe Culture Forum held in Taizhou, eastern China's Zhejiang province, Oct. 27, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

In his speech, Chang highlighted the importance of Hehe Culture in contemporary international affairs, saying its principles of cooperation, peaceful coexistence, mutual learning, and respect for differences help drive global development, safeguard international security, foster dialogue among civilizations, and address global challenges.

He said the forum has grown into an international platform for cultural exchange over the past five years, and CICG will continue working with domestic and international partners to promote dialogue among civilizations and shared progress.

Zhang Xuewei, vice chairman of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, delivers opening remarks at the 2026 Hehe Culture Forum held in Taizhou, eastern China's Zhejiang province, Oct. 27, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Zhang said Hehe Culture emphasizes solidarity and harmonious coexistence, with humanity working together toward a community with a shared future. He said Zhejiang would strengthen research into Hehe Culture, advance the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture, and expand international cultural exchange.

He also called for deeper mutual learning among civilizations and practical cooperation to share development opportunities and build a better future.

Wang Jian, secretary of the Communist Party of China Taizhou Municipal Committee, delivers opening remarks at the 2026 Hehe Culture Forum held in Taizhou, eastern China's Zhejiang province, Oct. 27, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Wang described Hehe Culture as a time-honored Chinese tradition that promotes harmony among nations, unity in pursuit of national rejuvenation, and development through the integration of tradition and modernity. In Taizhou, the concept is being applied to economic development, ecological protection, public governance, people's livelihoods, and international exchange, he noted.

He said the city stands ready to expand research into Hehe Culture and strengthen its international outreach, so that traditional Chinese culture becomes more relevant to contemporary society.

Yu Hanyin, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Zhejiang Provincial Committee and head of the Information Office of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Government, presides over the opening ceremony at the 2026 Hehe Culture Forum held in Taizhou, eastern China's Zhejiang province, Oct. 27, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Yu Hanyin, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and head of the Information Office of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Government, presided over the opening ceremony. He said Hehe Culture's emphasis on harmony without uniformity and peaceful coexistence among nations aligns closely with the Global Civilization Initiative.

He added that the forum has become a platform for showcasing Chinese civilization and encouraging civilizational dialogue since its launch in 2021.

Li Yafang, deputy editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group (CICG), presides over the keynote speech session at the 2026 Hehe Culture Forum held in Taizhou, eastern China's Zhejiang province, Oct. 27, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Li Yafang, deputy editor-in-chief of CICG and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), presided over the keynote speech session. She said Hehe Culture offers enduring impetus for dialogue and consensus-building across civilizations.

The forum examines how traditional Chinese ideas of harmony and respect for differences can inform contemporary global governance and international exchange, Li added.

The forum featured the presentation of research findings on "Hehe Culture and Symbols of Chinese Civilization," a global call for entries for a digital art competition on Hehe Culture, and the release of the 2025 global Hehe Culture practice cases.

Other activities included the signing of an agreement for a technology and industry fund for Hehe Culture, presentations of international communication initiatives, and awards recognizing outstanding overseas Hehe Culture stations. Hehe Culture ambassadors also sent messages to the forum.

Four parallel sessions focused on the contemporary value of Hehe, business ethics and regional cooperation, the contemporary development of traditional culture and mutual learning among civilizations, and youth contributions to global sustainable development.

The 2026 Hehe Culture Forum is held in Taizhou, eastern China's Zhejiang province, Oct. 27, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

The forum was jointly organized by ACCWS under CICG and the Taizhou Municipal People's Government.