The Yellow River Culture International Communication Forum was held in Dongying, Shandong on Tuesday, bringing together experts and scholars to discuss ways of promoting the Yellow River culture.

In her speech, Xi Yanchun, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, said the Yellow River is the root and soul of Chinese civilization, as this coursing waterway has nurtured the nation and its culture for several millennia.

To better tell the story of the Yellow River, Xi listed various measures that have been rolled out in Shandong.

Shandong has in recent times strengthened the protection and utilization of cultural relics along the Yellow River, and achieved remarkable results in the process. The establishment of the Yellow River National Cultural Park and the Yellow River Cultural Museum provides visitors with new experiences in learning about the history and culture of China's "Mother River."

Shandong has also launched an exhibition of handmade folk customs in nine provinces and regions along the Yellow River, showcasing the rich and diverse culture of these respective areas.

What's more, Shandong has focused on promoting external publicity initiatives, including sister cities, schools, enterprises, and media outlets. This has led to more international partners learning about and appreciating the significance and connotations of the Yellow River.

Large-scale cultural variety programs and a folk exhibition have also been launched, giving full play to the colorful cultural customs along the Yellow River.

The forum was also attended by Guo Weimin, former deputy director of the State Council Information Office, and Bai Yugang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and Director of the Publicity Department.

Guo said the Yellow River culture is an important component of Chinese civilization and a natural treasure that should be capitalized on in terms of international communication. He suggested it is important to come up with innovative communication methods and combine these with the construction of the Yellow River National Cultural Park.

He also called to strengthen comparative research on major river basins and historical cities worldwide.

This would result in more exchanges and dialogues with different civilizations, enhance international recognition of the Yellow River culture, and promote Chinese culture to the world, Guo noted.

Based on the theme of "Opening a New Chapter in the International Communication of Yellow River Culture," the forum included round-table dialogues on such topics as "International Communication Strategies of The Yellow River Culture" and "Experience and Practice of Media Communication."