More than 300 experts from home and abroad convened in Beijing on Tuesday to discuss ways to incorporate new technologies and enhance cultural heritage restoration and preservation.
This year's International Symposium on Cultural Heritage Conservation by Digitization has brought industry professionals from over 20 countries and regions. Experts and policymakers will present cases on digital heritage innovations, examining cutting-edge solutions in preservation and accessibility during the four-day event.
In the following days, the conference will feature themed discussions, visits to heritage sites, and a captivating digital exhibition.
"This forum has been going strong for fourteen years. Initially, it was hosted solely by Tsinghua University. Today, we have the support of international organizations and the Beijing Municipal Government. In the future, I hope more cities from different provinces and countries around the world will join us. My aspiration is for this symposium to become a global trend-setter in the field of digital heritage," said He Yan, president of CHCD and THID.
At the symposium's opening ceremony, participants witnessed the signing of the China-Greek Joint Laboratory on Digital Heritage.
He said China and Greece are nations that epitomize Eastern and Western civilizations, with both countries possessing rich cultural heritages, much of which have suffered damages over time.
Through this laboratory, the two countries aim to explore technical innovations that address their shared challenges and facilitate cross-cultural dialogues by examining respective cases together, she said.
Organized by the International Committee for Documentation of Cultural Heritage and Tsinghua University, the symposium underscores a global commitment to cultural heritage conservation.
Experts convene in Beijing for int'l symposium on enhancing digital cultural heritage
Air China and China Southern Airlines received their first C919 aircraft in Shanghai on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment that the country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft enters a new phase of multi-operator deployment.
Air China has opted for an extended-range version of the C919, configured with 158 seats across two classes: 8 in business and 150 in economy. China Southern Airlines selected the standard-range model, featuring a three-class layout with 164 seats, including 8 in business, 18 in premium economy, and 138 in economy.
Both types are equipped with tailored cabin configurations, including personalized seating and comprehensive in-seat power options, reflecting a focus on passenger comfort and operational flexibility.
The delivery was completed at the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) final assembly facility in Shanghai's Pudong district.
At the delivery ceremony, COMAC presented sales certificates and commemorative delivery keys to both airlines, symbolizing the official transfer of the aircraft.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) also issued necessary documentation, including nationality registration, airworthiness certificates, and radio station licenses, ensuring regulatory compliance for both carriers.
Air China's relevant pilots, flight attendants and ground teams have completed trainings on commercial operation of C919 to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. Its maintenance personnel have also completed relevant trainings.
Before the Wednesday delivery, China Southern Airlines' pilots and flight attendants carried out a trial flight with the C919 aircraft.
"The trial flight went smoothly. We can see the C919 aircraft's cockpit is spacious and well-lighted, with advanced instrument panel and equipment. And it's most prominent in that it provides great control experience," said Cui Wei, captain of pilot team with China Southern Airlines.
To date, COMAC has delivered nine C919 aircraft to different customers. China Eastern Airlines, the first customer of C919, has reported consistent operational performance since the aircraft began to serve it 15 months ago, covering five regular routes with over 3,600 commercial flights, underscoring the aircraft's growing role in the domestic aviation market.
The C919 trunk jetliner is poised to have a promising market outlook due to its adaptability, advanced technology and performance capabilities, combined with China's vast civil aviation market. The COMAC, meanwhile, continues to optimize and upgrade the aircraft.
China has a massive civil aviation market with great potential. According to a market forecast released by the COMAC in late 2022, over the 2022-2041 period, China's civil aviation market will receive 9,284 new passenger jets, including 6,288 single-aisle jetliners.
By 2041, China is expected to become the world's largest single-country civil aviation market, according to the forecast.
China's home-made C919 enters new operation phase as two leading airlines take delivery
