The Franco Chinese Seminar on the development of the Jiangnan ancient water towns with the Petites Cités de Caractère was held on December 18th in Lili and organised by Tongji University and WHITRAP Shanghai. It was generously hosted by the town of Lili, Wujiang district, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province with the support of the town of Lili. Representatives from the French Association of small towns of character, and from the Observatoire de l’architecture de la Chine contemporaine Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine and small water towns of the Yangtze river delta, Lili, Jinxi, Zhouzhuang, Xitang, Tongli, Zhenze, Zhujiajiao, Jinze, Luxu, Nanxun and Qiandeng, representatives of the Executive Committee of Yangtze River Delta ecological green integrated development demonstration zone, and the representatives of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design (Shanghai) – more than 60 participants in all -- attended the seminar.

The objective of the seminar was to further develop the dialogue between French mayors and Chinese leaders as well as different stakeholders on urban conservation and small town development by sharing experiences and discussing practical solutions to key problems. The aim was to discuss the role and function of heritage today in relation to an integrated, ecological sustainable development strategy. It explored how small historic towns can promote their heritage and revitalize their urban functions to attract new residents and focus on their well being. The sumary report of the meeting is available in English and Chinese.

Please download the sumary report here:

 Sino-French Lili Meeting-2020