International guests renowned for their deep bonds with Dunhuang gathered at the 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue · Dunhuang on Oct 13 to share their personal stories and discuss the global significance of its culture.

Qu Huan, chairperson of the China-Republic of Korea Friendship Association, recalled her first visit to Dunhuang in 2008.

For over a decade, Qu has actively facilitated interaction between South Korea and Dunhuang through cultural festivals, student exchange programs, and expert visits, pledging to continue bringing authentic Chinese stories to South Korea and introducing more South Koreans to Dunhuang's unique culture.

Pronkina Olga, a Russian scholar, shared how her fascination with Dunhuang was sparked by the dance Qianshou Guanyin (thousand-hand bodhisattva) and solidified upon seeing the Flying Apsaras in the caves.

Pronkina Olga introduces Dunhuang culture to international experts. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]

She said that working on Dunhuang has given her a strong sense of purpose and achievement, feeling as though the city itself had chosen her. Olga, a recipient of Gansu's "Dunhuang Award", now dedicates herself to researching and translating works on Silk Road culture.

Erik Nilsson, a senior journalist at China Daily from the United States and recipient of the Certificate of Friendship, first visited Dunhuang 15 years ago with his eight-year-old daughter.

He created a fun video series of their cultural treasure hunt, which included exploring the Mogao Caves and Crescent Spring, garnering millions of views online.

Erik Nilsson shares his connection with Dunhuang on Oct 13. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]

Nilsson said that visitors to Dunhuang now explore trendy bookstores and DIY workshops alongside traditional sites, showing that the city is not only guarding the past but also looking toward the future.