The 4th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened in Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Gansu province on July 30, 2019, drawing attention to the rich and colorful cultural heritage of China's ethnic regions.

Held in a beautiful venue on grasslands—the event placed cultural creativity at center stage, offering prime exhibition space to innovative designs and traditional crafts.

Dolls dressed in traditional Yi ethnic costumes in Sichuan Pavilion [Photo provided to silkroadexpo.gogansu.com]

A standout feature this year was the creative products from the "Three Regions and Three Prefectures," which include some of China's most remote but culturally diverse areas. Playful, eye-catching cultural items quickly became visitor favorites, facilitating not only economic exchange but also people-to-people connectivity.

In the Sichuan Pavilion, adorable dolls dressed in traditional Yi ethnic costumes captured the hearts of attendees. Even China's beloved national treasure—the giant panda—was given a playful twist, donning ethnic headdresses and embodying the spirit of cross-cultural celebration.

Panda stuffed toy wearing ethnic headdresses in Sichuan Pavilion [Photo provided to silkroadexpo.gogansu.com]

The Xinjiang Pavilion offered a softer side of pastoral life. A plush pillow set featuring a cartoonish cow family—mother, father, and calf—exuded warmth and family harmony, inviting guests to embrace the region's charm and hospitality.

Tianjin, a key partner in poverty alleviation efforts in Gansu through East-West cooperation, brought its iconic clay figurines from the famed "Clay Figure Zhang" studio. With expressive features and vibrant colors, the figures infused the pavilion with a joyful energy, showcasing the city's dedication to preserving folk art while enriching everyday life.