The exhibition area of the 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo. [Photo/Gansu Daily]

The opening ceremony of the 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo was held on Nov 3. On Nov 2, the exhibition areas at the Dunhuang International Convention and Exhibition Center were open for preview.

Covering about 18,000 square meters, the expo is divided into five main exhibition areas themed on the preservation of world cultural heritage, the latest Dunhuang studies, arts, culture, folk customs and the tourism products of countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and Gansu's cultural innovation and intangible heritage preservation efforts.

At the Dunhuang Academy exhibition, a VR project offers immersive views of digital recreations of Mogao Caves 285, 45, and 217. A staff member said digital methods support conservation while letting visitors experience Dunhuang art and modern technology.

Dunhuang Medicine made its debut, using AI diagnosis to recommend herbal drinks. Gansu's cultural innovation area features eight sections themed on Dunhuang-themed clay sculptures, Lanzhou gourd carving, Shandan pyrography and more.

The Belt and Road exhibition displays Brazilian coffee, Sri Lankan black tea and Uzbek handmade carpets, while a Dunhuang art exhibition features 102 works by Gansu painters.

These vibrant exhibitions make the expo a window for dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations.