LIMA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Peru and China, two ancient civilizations with profound historical legacies, are seeing a greater flow of cultural exchanges thanks to the Chancay Port, a Peruvian museum director has said.
Inaugurated in November 2024, the port, located some 80 km north of Peru's capital Lima, has bolstered trade, travel, as well as cultural and historical ties between the two countries, Rafael Varon Gabai, director of Peru's National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History, told Xinhua in an interview.
"The Port of Chancay not only creates a bridge for trade and navigation, but also facilitates exchange along this route, which primarily connects China's Port of Shanghai with Peru's Port of Chancay," said Varon.
Cultural exchanges between Peru and China boast a long history and are now enjoying a notable resurgence, driven by increasing visitor arrivals and growing interest in each other's cultural heritage, he said.
Varon noted that museums "represent an enormous opportunity for collaboration," enabling joint projects in research, exhibitions, and conservation of cultural heritage between the two countries.
Recalling his recent visit to China, Varon said it enabled him to learn firsthand about the operations of leading cultural institutions, particularly the Palace Museum.
During his tour of the Palace Museum, he observed the meticulous process of preserving ancient heritage. He called the experience "unimaginable."
What stood out most to him was the "coexistence" of modern technology and traditional techniques, with state-of-the-art devices supporting the manual work of artisans in precisely restoring ancient artefacts.
Varon believes that strengthening cultural ties between Peru and China will deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples, driven by growing interest in each other's heritage and initiatives like the Chancay Port.
Today, the two countries see opportunities for archaeological collaboration, such as conducting joint excavations and projects, which would enhance knowledge and academic exchanges between specialists from both countries and broaden research outlooks, he said. ■
