An underwater window into two civilizations

Collaboration on a World Heritage project brings China and Egypt together to safeguard ancient knowledge of river levels, Tan Yingzi and Deng Rui report in Chongqing.

At the recent 2026 Yangtze River Civilization Forum held in Chongqing, a millennium-old Chinese stone ridge known as Baiheliang, or the White Crane Ridge, took center stage in discussions about its historical and cultural significance.

Located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Wujiang rivers in Fuling district, Southwest China's Chongqing, this remarkable hydrological site featured prominently in a promotional video screened during the forum's opening ceremony in mid-September.

The event also highlighted an ongoing cooperation between China and Egypt to seek World Heritage status involving Baiheliang in Chongqing and the Raoudha Nilometer in Cairo. It underscored the historical ties and shared scientific achievements of the two ancient civilizations.