As the 2025 Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo prepares to welcome global attendees, conversations about cultural identity along the ancient trade routes take center stage. The event, rooted in China's rich history as the birthplace of iconic cultural symbols like porcelain, calligraphy, and silk craftsmanship, aims to spark dialogue about how these enduring legacies shape modern cross-cultural exchanges.
From Ancient Trade to Modern Dialogue
Organizers challenge participants to identify shared cultural touchstones while showcasing regional diversity. “The expo isn’t about tallying recognizability scores,” says CGTN correspondent Zang Shijie, who will document perspectives from diplomats, artisans, and scholars. “It’s about creating living connections between historical heritage and contemporary creativity.”
Economic and Cultural Synergy
Beyond exhibitions, the expo facilitates partnerships in creative industries and digital cultural preservation – key areas for investors eyeing Asia’s growing cultural economy. For diaspora communities and travelers, interactive displays on regional festivals and traditional arts offer immersive insights into evolving Asian identities.
A Platform for Shared Futures
With 80+ countries and regions confirmed to participate, the event underscores how Silk Road history continues to inform Asia’s role in global cultural diplomacy. As one organizer notes: “When a Uzbek ceramicist discusses patterns with a Xi’an potter, that’s the Silk Road spirit in action.”
