World Heritage Comes Alive At The United Nations:
2026 World Heritage And Cultural Festival Opens In New York

New York, May 20, 2026 — The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Heritage and Cultural Festival was held on May 20, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Organized by the Sino-American Culture and Arts Foundation (SACAF) in collaboration with the China National Tourist Office New York, the event marks a significant occasion in which world natural and cultural heritage sites, along with intangible cultural traditions from around the globe, are showcased together at the UN Headquarters. The festival will run through May 22.

SACAF President Li Li shone a spotlight on Mt. Huangshan - a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site and Global Geopark - introducing its celebrated "Five Wonders" -uniquely shaped pine trees, dramatic rock formations, seas of clouds, breathtaking winter snow scenery, and natural hot springs. She also highlighted the rich Huizhou culture at the mountain's base and the vibrant Huizhou fish lantern dance, embodying centuries of local folk tradition.

SACAF President Li Li delivering remark

Lily Gray, Senior Liaison Officer at the UNESCO New York Office, captured the significance perfectly: "Here at the United Nations Headquarters, this is especially meaningful. People from all over the world come together here, and today's week-long exhibition in the UN serves as a powerful reminder that culture is not only a heritage we inherit, but also something we create and share together. Music, art, and cultural expressions reflect the vision and creativity of people from around the world."

Lily Gray, Senior Liaison Officer at the UNESCO New York Office, delivering remark

Ma Yunfei, Director of the China National Tourist Office New York, underscored the unifying power of cultural heritage, noting that the richness and diversity of the world stem from the variety of human civilizations - and that intangible cultural heritage possesses a unique power to transcend language and connect people across cultural boundaries.

Ma Yunfei, Director of the China National Tourist Office New York, delivering remark

LED displays looped footage of Mt. Huangshan, including its legendary Welcoming Pine Trees, while guests savored world-renowned teas - including the prized Keemum black tea, one of the world's three most famous high-mountain black teas, and the delicate Huangshan Maofeng.

Through exhibitions, videos, performances, and cultural exchanges, the festival enables attendees to appreciate the profound insight into the beauty of world heritage and the rich culture.