Exploring the 8th Silk Road Cultural Expo: A Gateway to Cultural Exchange

8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo

The 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo officially kicked off on September 21, 2025, in Dunhuang City, located in the heart of Gansu Province, China. This year's theme, "Strengthening Cultural Exchanges and Promoting Mutual Learning Among Civilizations," underscores the importance of fostering deeper connections among various cultures and traditions across the globe.

As part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, this expo serves as a significant international platform for cultural dialogue and collaboration. It aims to enhance exchanges in arts, scholarship, and cultural practices among participating nations. This edition features an impressive lineup of 17 distinct events that span seven categories, including exhibitions, performances, academic forums, and trade promotions, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of this historic festival.

Welcoming over 1,200 representatives from eight international organizations, the event embraces an astounding attendance from 97 countries and regions. The exhibitions are showcased in a hall that covers around 24,000 square meters, marking the largest venue size in the expo's history. Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight global heritage conservation efforts, share groundbreaking research in Dunhuang studies, and present initiatives for preserving the region's intangible cultural traditions.

In addition to the static displays, the expo features vibrant artistic performances scheduled at various dynamic locations, such as the bustling Dunhuang Night Market and the iconic Mingsha Sand Dunes, promising spectators a mesmerizing array of cultural showcases.

During the opening ceremony, Hu Changsheng, the Communist Party Secretary of Gansu Province, delivered a keynote address that focused on the region's aspirations to enhance its cultural influence through Belt and Road exchanges. He emphasized the critical nature of heritage protection, tourism development, and establishing mutually beneficial partnerships among countries.

Qu Xing, the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, took the stage and remarked on the nearly eight decades of cooperative efforts between UNESCO and China. His acknowledgment of the expo signals a revitalized commitment toward supporting the Silk Road Initiative, promoting cultural understanding, and facilitating connection among diverse civilizations.

Additional remarks were presented by prominent officials, including Prasop Riangngern, the Permanent Secretary of Thailand's Ministry of Culture; Dmitry Shlyakhtin, the First Deputy Culture Minister of Belarus; and Joseph Isaac, the Speaker of the Parliament of Dominica. These leaders collectively recognized the Belt and Road Initiative as a vital mechanism for enhancing people-to-people cultural ties, fostering understanding, and encouraging collaboration across different regions.

The Silk Road Cultural Expo reflects Gansu's dedication to utilizing cultural diplomacy as a tool for international relations, promoting a shared appreciation for diverse traditions and encouraging cross-border cultural exchange that is necessary in today's interconnected world. The event not only celebrates Gansu's rich heritage but also positions the region as an essential player in fostering global dialogue through culture.

Through such initiatives, the Silk Road Cultural Expo continues to be a beacon of cultural communication, inviting countries to cherish their distinctions while learning from one another's unique historical narratives. As the expo unfolds, its activities promise to leave an indelible mark on all attendees, inspiring future generations to engage deeply in global cultural dialogues.