From 65438 to 0984, Mr. Hou was invited to give lectures at Cornell University in the United States, and learned from his American counterparts about the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage adopted and promulgated by UNESCO. Mr. Hou once wrote about this experience in detail: In the field of American architecture, many professors are very concerned about the maintenance and protection of China's ancient buildings and cultural relics, and think that if such cultural relics can be well protected, it will be a great contribution to the development of human culture. Professor Hilgard more Sternberg of the Department of Geography of the University of California said more bluntly: "The Great Wall of Wan Li, China, a great miracle in the history of world culture, belongs not only to the people of China, but also to the people of the world." They all very much hope that China can join the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage as soon as possible.
Mr. Hou was moved by UNESCO's idea and practice of protecting the world cultural and natural heritage. After returning to China, he immediately drafted the Proposal on Suggesting Our Government to Participate as a CPPCC Member as soon as possible, which was agreed and co-signed by three members: Yang, Zheng and Luo. 1985 was formally put forward and adopted at the Third Session of the Sixth China People's Political Consultative Conference in April.
19851February 12, China became a contracting party to the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, and declared the World Heritage from 1987. As of June 20 13, 45 projects in China have been listed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO, ranking second in the world, and more and more natural and cultural heritages have been valued and protected by governments at all levels in China. Over the past 20 years, with the widespread popularization of the international concept of "World Heritage", more and more people in China have realized the value of culture and ecology and the importance of protecting historical and cultural heritage and natural heritage. Through this channel, people from other countries have gained more knowledge about chinese heritage and scenic spots. Today, while rejoicing at the vigorous development of China's world heritage declaration and protection, we can't forget Mr. Hou Renzhi's "pioneering work".
Talking about that experience 20 years ago, Hou Lao still remembers it vividly. From 65438 to 0984, when he visited Cornell University in the United States and chatted with several experts specializing in urban construction in Washington, he first learned that there was a convention to protect the world cultural and natural heritage. During the conversation, several professors said that China has a long history and numerous extremely precious cultural sites and famous scenic spots. Why not join this conference and let the world know more about China? Recognizing the importance of the matter, as a member of the CPPCC, he hastily drafted a proposal after returning to China. After the proposal was written, it was signed by three members, Yang, Zheng and Luo, and was formally put forward at the Third Session of the Sixth CPPCC in April 1985, which was passed.
He is also the first little-known person to apply for the World Heritage in China. 1980 In the communication with his American counterparts, he learned about the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. After returning home, he immediately campaigned for China to join this convention. From 65438 to 0987, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site were listed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO and became the first batch of China World Heritage Sites. Therefore, Hou Renzhi became the first person in China to apply for World Heritage. From the autumn of 1932, he entered the history department of yenching university in Beiping, and today, Beiping has become the real hometown of Hou Renzhi. Regarding Beijing's feelings, Hou Renzhi claimed that "the more you know, the stronger your love will be".
Hou Renzhi, known as "Living Beijing", has revealed some key issues such as the origin of Beijing city, the transfer of urban sites, the characteristics of urban development and its objective laws from the perspective of modern geography. Its academic value goes beyond the scope of geographical science and becomes an important reference for the reconstruction of the old city of Beijing and the overall urban planning and construction. In addition to applying his profound knowledge to the actual construction of Beijing, Hou Renzhi has always been willing to introduce the history of Beijing, publicize the significance of protecting the style of Beijing's old city, and inspire people's love for Beijing. Once the phenomenon that affects and destroys cultural relics and historic sites is discovered, he will be saddened and spare no effort to speak out and try to stop it. It is with his active efforts that the Lugou Bridge, which has been poorly protected for a long time, has become what it is today.
In the urban development of Beijing, he shouted: the first problem is the development of water sources. He cherished the roots of old Beijing customs and went to Shichahai, Huitong Temple, Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Houmenqiao again and again, paying close attention to the changes in this area. It was at his initiative that the dried-up lotus pond rippled, and the former Houmen Bridge is now surrounded by clear water.
Mr. Hou Renzhi once summed up his life like this: youth is wandering, youth is turbulent, middle age is ups and downs, and old age is increasingly powerful. He said: "When I was studying, I had a fleeting sigh about life. Now, when I think of my past 90 years, I feel long and clear. Life is so ups and downs, the road turns to the peak ... when I was 85 years old, I used the phrase' the old cow knows the late, don't wait for the whip to kill himself'. . Many times, I want to' hoof' but I can't' hoof'. I should thank my relatives and friends, especially my wife Zhang, who have helped me through the ups and downs for decades, so that I can walk slowly although I can't' struggle'. In a word, I will continue my plain and substantial work. "