Guests of the 2025 "Ode to Peace" Dunhuang International Art Week pose for a group photo. [Photo/WeChat account: dunhuangfabu]

Guests of the 2025 "Ode to Peace" Dunhuang International Art Week on Aug 10 visited the Xuanquanzhi Relic Site Scenic Area in Dunhuang, Gansu province — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as a vital relay station on the ancient Silk Road.

The visit marked the beginning of a cultural exploration into the region's deep historical legacy.

Led by professional guides, the visitors learned about Xuanquanzhi's strategic role in facilitating trade and diplomacy between the East and the West.

The site's rich collection of excavated artifacts — including bamboo slips, daily utensils and other relics — sparked lively interest among visitors, who paused to study the displays and imagine the vibrant cultural exchanges that once took place there.

A delegate from Oman expressed her admiration: "Being here and seeing the architecture, traditions, and people has been deeply moving. The museum's ancient artifacts are not only beautiful but reflect China's enduring cultural spirit. I saw deserts, camels, and traces of the Silk Road — elements that connect Oman and China through centuries of trade. Visiting a 2,000-year-old station that served travelers and officials felt like stepping into history."

The visit is said to have fostered deeper understanding and friendship among nations, while highlighting the enduring legacy of the Silk Road.

As the 2025 Dunhuang Art Week unfolds, it promises to become a meaningful platform for global cultural exchanges and a shared appreciation of human civilization.