MORE than 1,200 representatives from 97 countries and eight international organizations gathered at the 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, which wrapped up on Monday in Dunhuang, a key hub on the ancient Silk Road in Northwest China.

The expo featured activities such as cultural dialogues and exhibitions, as well as artistic performances to promote global cultural cooperation.

Dunhuang, which over 2,000 years ago witnessed the movement of Chinese silk and tea to the West and the arrival in China of once alien produce such as grapes, carrots and pomegranates, is today still a gateway which now serves China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) — attracting visitors and scholars keen to delve into the historical significance and cultural inclusiveness of the artificial marvel that is the Mogao Grottoes.

(Xinhua)