At the 2026 Conference on Hongshan Culture, Guo Zhan, former vice-president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, highlighted in his speech that world heritage designation is not about "protecting all that can be protected." Rather, sites must be evaluated within the global context of human civilization to select the best of the best. He noted that world heritage recognition rests on three key pillars: outstanding universal value, authenticity and integrity, and protection and management. For the Hongshan culture, archaeological sites serve as "physical historical documents" carrying rich historical information, with authenticity acting as an indispensable pillar. The ultimate core of heritage conservation is to permanently pass down a site's value as a historical witness, a source of guidance, and an aesthetic treasure to future generations.
