The ancient Silk Road, a historical artery connecting East and West, continues to resonate in the 21st century. In Gansu, China, the seventh Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo (SRDICE) brought together global participants to celebrate the enduring spirit of this historic trade route and promote cultural exchange. Held under the theme “Implementing the Global Civilization Initiative, Deepening Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations,” the expo unfolded from September 21st to 24th, 2024.
This year’s SRDICE featured a rich tapestry of events spanning five categories: a grand opening ceremony, the Dunhuang Forum, cultural exhibitions, captivating artistic performances, and investment promotion initiatives. Over 14,000 guests from around the world converged on Dunhuang, a city steeped in history and culture, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mogao Grottoes. These ancient caves, dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries, are renowned for their intricate murals and statues, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich artistic heritage.
The opening ceremony, a vibrant spectacle, included speeches from leaders of the Communist Party of China, emphasizing the paramount importance of cultural exchange in fostering global understanding and cooperation. Officials from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), diplomats, and representatives from international organizations echoed these sentiments, reiterating the significance of cultural collaboration in strengthening ties and promoting mutual understanding.
This year’s expo held particular significance as it coincided with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Participants expressed optimism for promoting the Silk Road spirit through collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to enhancing high-level cultural exchanges among BRI participants.
A key highlight of the expo was the high-level Dunhuang Forum, a platform for insightful discussions on a range of topics. These included innovation in Dunhuang studies, international cooperation in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, the modern interpretation of Dunhuang dance, and literary expressions of Dunhuang culture. The forum served as a catalyst for deepening understanding of Silk Road culture and establishing models for effective cultural heritage protection in the region.
Beyond the forum, the expo offered a captivating array of exhibitions, showcasing the achievements of the Dunhuang Academy, the allure of intangible culture, the creative arts, and a special photography exhibit featuring works from China and Uruguay. These exhibitions presented a compelling narrative of Dunhuang’s rich cultural heritage and Gansu’s vibrant cultural identity, emphasizing their preservation and promotion.
Grand-scale performances, including the acclaimed drama “Thousand-Hand Thousand-Eye” and an international cultural exchange concert, enthralled audiences. Artists from countries such as the United States, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia contributed their talents, weaving captivating narratives of the Silk Road through their performances.
The SRDICE serves as a crucial platform for advancing the BRI, amplifying the reach of Chinese culture, and fostering a community with a shared future. It aims to facilitate cultural integration, foster ideological exchange, and build emotional connections among the BRI’s diverse stakeholders, creating a tapestry of shared understanding and cooperation.
Gansu, a province deeply rooted in Chinese civilization, is leveraging the SRDICE to promote its cultural resources and stimulate its cultural industry. The event has attracted esteemed domestic entrepreneurs and travel agencies, presenting opportunities for investment in cultural tourism and revitalizing the region’s economy. Key project signings in sectors such as transportation, aviation, and hospitality have further stimulated social development in the province.
Discussions on economic cooperation and sustainable development were central to the forum, focusing on China’s collaboration with Central and South Asia within the BRI framework. This underscores the SRDICE’s role in fostering not only cultural exchange but also economic growth and sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for the region and its people.
Initiated under the BRI and sponsored by the Gansu provincial government, the SRDICE has been a biennial event since 2016. Over its six previous sessions, it has welcomed more than 20 national leaders and 6,000 guests from 120 countries, resulting in significant political, cultural, and economic achievements. Representatives from organizations such as UNESCO, the World Bank, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization, along with prominent cultural and tourism leaders, participated in this year’s expo, highlighting its global significance and its role in shaping a more interconnected and culturally vibrant world.
