شبكة طريق الحرير الصيني الإخبارية/            /China Silk Road News Network/CSRNN/

Translation from Arabic to English

Dunhuang, the Shining Star on the Silk Road

In the heart of the vast Gobi Desert, specifically in Gansu Province in northwest China, Dunhuang shines like an eternal star, bearing witness to centuries of civilizational interaction and cultural exchange that connected East and West. Dunhuang was not merely a transit point along the ancient Silk Road; it was a civilizational gateway that welcomed travelers, scholars, merchants, and artists from all over the world and became a magnificent meeting point of civilizations, cultures, and religions.

Dunhuang: The Jewel of Gansu and the Crossroads of Civilizations

Founded over two thousand years ago, Dunhuang became a key hub on the Silk Road thanks to its strategic geographical location. The Silk Road was not just a commercial route for transporting goods but a channel through which cultures, arts, and ideas flowed. The city served as a confluence between China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and even Europe, embracing diverse religious, artistic, and intellectual movements, notably Buddhism, which left a deep mark on the city — especially in the world-renowned Mogao Caves.

The Mogao Caves of Dunhuang are among the most prominent historical testaments to this rich cultural interaction and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These over 700 rock-cut caves house thousands of murals, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts, making them a priceless treasure in the history of art, religion, writing, and human civilization.

“Discover Dunhuang: Light of the Silk Road” – A Global Media Event

This event presents a valuable opportunity for journalists from various countries to witness the historical depth and unique cultural beauty of Dunhuang. It is part of continuous efforts to promote dialogue among civilizations and emphasize the central role of heritage in building bridges of understanding and cooperation among peoples.

The tour includes field visits to prominent archaeological sites such as the Mogao Caves, the Mingsha Desert, and the White Pagoda Temple, along with meetings with cultural and heritage preservation experts. Live coverage will bring the world closer to Dunhuang’s spirit — a symbol of peace, openness, and cultural convergence.

Moreover, the media tour serves as a platform to strengthen cooperation among World Heritage cities and share experiences in heritage preservation and the sustainable development of cultural tourism. It sends a clear message to the world: cities like Dunhuang are not only guardians of the past, but also active partners in shaping a better future.

Dunhuang… Unforgettable Impressions

I had the pleasure of visiting Dunhuang in the past, and it was a truly exceptional experience that left a deep impression on me. I was amazed by the city’s natural beauty, the harmony of its historical architecture, the richness of its museums, and the warmth of its people, who reflect the authentic spirit of Chinese hospitality. As I wandered through the ancient caves, local markets, and cultural centers, I felt embraced by history, touching its features and listening to the whispers of civilizations that passed through and left their mark in stone, murals, and manuscripts.

Dunhuang is not just a city — it is a living story of a glorious civilization, and a vivid example of how culture can transcend time and space and resonate with the soul of every human being.

Sincere Wishes

In conclusion, I express my warmest wishes for the success of the international media tour “Discover Dunhuang: Light of the Silk Road” and hope it achieves its goals in promoting cultural understanding and highlighting the importance of world heritage in building a more open and cooperative global community. I sincerely congratulate all participants in this important event and wish them an enriching and inspiring experience in Dunhuang.

I also express my longing to revisit Dunhuang — that shining star that never fades from the sky of history — and I hope to explore more Chinese cities listed as UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites, each of which carries a unique story that deserves to be shared with the world.

       Abdelkader KHELIL, Editor-in-Chief of the China Silk Road News Network, ALGERIA