Nanjing Mayor Ji Jianye points out the role of city leaders in preserving cultural heritage. “We should respect history, culture and our ancestors. We will be able to protect our heritage only after we bear in mind respect. In the meantime, the government should form a cultural heritage data base, which is like a city’s DNA bank.”

“The water from different cities represents their distinctive cultures. The mixing of the water symbolizes that cultures are blending in Nanjing, and that the city is embracing the world,” said Zhu Shanlu, secretary of Nanjing CPC Committee.