The theme of the 3rd cultural expo was to "showcase the beauty of the Silk Road, promote humanitie's exchanges and make the world more harmonious and beautiful".

The exhibition area was primarily formed by Halls B and C of the Dunhuang International Exhibition Center, with Hall A and the halls and corridors of the Dunhuang Grand Theater working as supplementary spaces.

The total exhibition area was approximately 28,000 square meters, and included 32 exhibitions, including 28 special exhibitions and 4 normal exhibitions. These exhibitions gathered together more than 7,000 fine cultural relics and art from 61 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and covered 17 categories, such as historical relics, calligraphy and painting, visual arts, and cultural and creative products.

The preview was be held from September 16 to 25, and the launching ceremony of the preview on September 19. The official exhibition was held from September 27 to October 15, during which time the creative selection activities of the 3rd Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo were carried out. On October 15, the award ceremony of the creative selection activities and brand operation partners was also held.