The Light of Civilization: Hongshan, Liangzhu and Chinese Civilization officially kicked off to celebrate this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on June 8.

The exhibition at Shenyang Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the distinctive charm and enduring legacy of Chinese civilization.

Cultural and Natural Heritage Day is a significant occasion for the national cultural and museum system, serving as a vital platform to highlight the achievements in the protection and utilization of cultural relics and the preservation and inheritance of cultural heritage in China.

Shenyang is the first city in Northeast China to host Cultural and Natural Heritage Day since its establishment in 2006.

At the opening ceremony of the celebration of the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, Li Qun, director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, emphasized the importance of nurturing the foundation of civilization. He highlighted the need to prioritize protection and inheritance, and to enhance the preservation of historical and cultural heritage in urban and rural development.

"We must effectively build and utilize national cultural parks, advance the fourth national cultural relics survey and carry forward the revolutionary spirit," Li stated.

Throughout the event, a diverse array of themed forums and special activities will take place. A forum themed on Preserving Cultural Heritage, Inheriting Civilization convened industry experts and scholars to delve into novel strategies and approaches for safeguarding and perpetuating cultural treasures.

Additionally, a Cultural Relics and Technology Innovation Forum was held on Friday which spotlighted the innovative integration of technology in the realm of cultural heritage preservation.

Shenyang will host over 200 events under ten major themes, including exhibitions, performances and lectures. These aim to showcase the allure of cultural and natural heritage, raise awareness, and promote their preservation and development.