The 9th Silk Road Dunhuang Expo Kicks Off for Cross-Civilization Dialogue

The 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo

DUNHUANG, China, Nov. 4, 2026 / Xinhua-AsiaNet / --

The 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened in Dunhuang, Gansu on November 3, bringing together Chinese and foreign guests for a dialogue between civilizations.

Under the theme "Boosting Cultural Exchanges and Promoting Mutual Learning Among Civilizations", the event drew over a thousand participants from more than 50 countries, international organizations and China's Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

A historic hub on the ancient Silk Road where Eastern and Western civilizations met, Dunhuang hosts China's comprehensive international expo dedicated to Belt and Road cultural exchange.

This edition features 18 events across seven categories, including exhibitions, performances and cultural experiences. The parallel 2026 Dunhuang Forum comprises eight sub-forums covering Dunhuang studies, heritage conservation, and China's cooperation with Central and South Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Many participants noted that Dunhuang preserves invaluable cultural legacies and offers timeless lessons for countries seeking common ground amid differences, mutual learning and peaceful coexistence. Drawing on ancient wisdom and the Silk Road spirit helps foster dialogue, understanding and peace. Guests hope the expo will continue to bring people closer and deliver win‑win cooperation.

Launched in 2016, the expo has welcomed nearly 10,000 delegates from over 120 nations to explore exchange frameworks, share heritage protection advances and shape new pathways for cultural development.