The Global Mayors Dialogue Zhengzhou and the 2025 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism brought together mayors and urban planners from around the world to explore the delicate balance between urban modernization and the preservation of cultural heritage. Held in Zhengzhou, Henan province, the four-day event showcased innovative strategies for urban renewal and tourism development, emphasizing the importance of integrating historical memory into contemporary cityscapes. The forum concluded on Saturday, leaving participants with actionable insights for sustainable urban growth. Zhuang Jianqiu, mayor of Zhengzhou, highlighted the city’s transformation of old factories and neighborhoods into vibrant cultural and entertainment hubs. One notable example is Fuminli, a once-dilapidated area near the 3,600-year-old ancient city wall, now a thriving tourist destination attracting over a million visitors annually. The city preserved the architectural essence of old Zhengzhou while introducing modern amenities, creating a nostalgic yet dynamic urban environment. International participants, including Frank Amoakohene from Ghana and Maurizio Rasero from Italy, shared their experiences in reviving traditional construction techniques and repurposing historical sites for tourism. The event underscored the importance of a people-oriented approach to urban renewal, ensuring that disused buildings are transformed into spaces that enhance citizens’ daily lives. With around 300 attendees, the forum served as a platform for exchanging practical solutions to urban challenges and promoting global tourism sustainability.