Over 1,200 representatives from 97 countries and regions gathered in northwest China’s Dunhuang this week for the 8th Silk Road International Cultural Expo, blending ancient history with modern diplomacy. The event, running until Monday, features art exhibitions, cultural dialogues, and performances that echo the Silk Road’s legacy of connecting civilizations. 🎭🌍
Where Past Meets Present
Dunhuang – once a bustling trade hub for silk, tea, and spices – now shines as a symbol of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Thailand, this year’s guest of honor, showcased its vibrant traditions, drawing parallels between its temple murals and Dunhuang’s iconic Mogao Caves. 🏯✨
Art Bridges Centuries
UNESCO’s Qu Xing highlighted the Mogao Caves’ 1,600-year-old murals, calling them a 'testament to cross-cultural dialogue.' These caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, reveal how ideas flowed along the Silk Road, from Buddhist art to agricultural exchanges. 🖌️📜
Global Stage for Heritage
With a sprawling 24,000-square-meter exhibition area, the 2025 expo spotlights intangible heritage, creative arts, and tourism innovations from BRI partners. From Thai dance performances to Central Asian crafts, the event proves that ancient trade routes still inspire modern collaboration. 🤝🎨
