Dunhuang expo offers a key platform for dialogue among civilizations

The Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo provides a vital platform for dialogue among civilizations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, where "each culture can share its uniqueness", said Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy. "Each civilization is beautiful in its own way, and better together."

Dai noted that visitors to Dunhuang today can go far beyond admiring ancient murals and relics. They can step into immersive performances such as Encore Dunhuang, where audiences experience the city's cultural depth and historical weight in ways that feel both immediate and emotional. The combination of grand narratives and personal experiences makes the story of Dunhuang more vivid than ever.

In addition, new cultural spaces such as the Dunhuang Bookstore and Dunhuang Printing House have been created by young entrepreneurial teams. These venues combine creativity with tourism, offering both residents and travelers fresh ways to engage with the spirit of Dunhuang. According to Dai, this wave of youthful innovation is not only winning praise but also drawing crowds.

Dai emphasized that integration now spans a much broader spectrum — from traditional history and heritage, to contemporary artistic expression, to the entrepreneurial energy of young innovators. This, he said, makes Dunhuang's culture more diverse and more deeply felt by visitors from all walks of life.