Core Viewpoint - The 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo emphasizes cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, attracting over 1,200 guests from 97 countries and 8 international organizations, marking the highest participation in the event's history [1][3]. Group 1: Event Overview - The expo took place from September 20 to 22 in Dunhuang, featuring 17 activities across 7 categories, including opening ceremonies, cultural exhibitions, and artistic performances [1][3]. - The main venue was the Dunhuang International Convention and Exhibition Center, showcasing approximately 24,000 square meters of cultural art and heritage protection achievements [3]. Group 2: Cultural Exhibitions - The event included various exhibitions such as the "Belt and Road" calligraphy and painting exhibition, cultural exchange cooperation exhibition, and a showcase of the Dunhuang Academy's achievements in cultural heritage protection [3]. - Over 10,000 cultural and creative products from 100 enterprises across 14 cities in Gansu were displayed, alongside more than 2,000 traditional artifacts and creative products from 13 countries [3]. Group 3: Special Features - Thailand was the guest country, featuring a dedicated exhibition area that highlighted traditional Thai cultural forms such as Khon and Nora dance [5]. - The concurrent 2025 Dunhuang Forum included 5 sub-forums and 11 discussion topics, focusing on various aspects of cultural exchange and heritage protection [5]. Group 4: Performances and Cultural Significance - The event featured performances from the Hong Kong Heavenly Music Orchestra and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, along with the premiere of a new version of the classic dance drama "Silk Road Flower Rain" [5]. - The significance of the Silk Road was highlighted by UNESCO's Deputy Director-General, emphasizing the journey's importance over mere destination [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the dedication of director Qin Chuan and his team in promoting Dunhuang culture globally through various artistic endeavors, including a documentary film and a new song titled "Dunhuang Ode" [1][2][5]. Group 1: Artistic Endeavors - Director Qin Chuan is currently working on a documentary film that aims to explore and promote Dunhuang culture worldwide [2]. - The team is engaged in a project to digitally preserve Dunhuang's cultural heritage, bringing it back to its roots in Gansu [1]. - A new song titled "Dunhuang Ode" has been created to honor the efforts of those advocating for Dunhuang culture [2][5]. Group 2: Personal Reflections and Contributions - The author reflects on their personal journey with Dunhuang, describing it as a source of inspiration and a place of cultural significance [3][4]. - Over the years, the author has produced various works related to Dunhuang, including a long novel titled "Dunhuang Chronicles," which has received multiple awards and recognition [4]. - The author emphasizes the importance of literature in expressing deep emotional connections and cultural heritage [3]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - Dunhuang is portrayed as a vital cultural hub, symbolizing resilience and the spirit of exploration [5]. - The article underscores the collective effort to celebrate and preserve Dunhuang's rich history through various artistic forms [5][6]. - The lyrics of "Dunhuang Ode" encapsulate the essence of Dunhuang, reflecting its beauty and cultural depth [6].

Core Viewpoint - The "Dacheng Dunhuang - Dunhuang Cultural Art Exhibition" opened on July 26 at the Nanshan Museum in Shenzhen, showcasing over 205 pieces, including digital reconstructions of caves, sculptures, murals, and rare artifacts, providing a comprehensive presentation of Dunhuang culture [2][4][6][8][10][12] Exhibition Details - The exhibition features a total of over 205 items, including 6 digital reconstructed caves, 4 replica sculptures, over 60 mural replicas, and 80 sets of rare authentic artifacts [2][4][6][8][10][12] - The exhibition is divided into six thematic sections: "Pearl of the Silk Road," "Sacred Land of Buddhism," "Human World," "Treasure of the Stone Chamber," "Archaeological Exploration," and "Unity of Hearts" [2][4][6][8][10][12] - The combination of physical artifacts and multimedia displays aims to present the profound connotations of Dunhuang culture in a comprehensive and in-depth manner [2][4][6][8][10][12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting contributions of Zhang Daqian and Chang Shuhong to the preservation and promotion of Dunhuang art, highlighting their respective roles as an explorer and a guardian of this cultural heritage [1][8]. Group 1: Zhang Daqian's Contributions - Zhang Daqian's journey to Dunhuang began in 1941, where he spent over two years studying and replicating the murals, significantly contributing to the understanding of Chinese art history [1][2]. - He was the first Chinese scholar to systematically number the caves at Mogao, completing a total of 309 caves, which was a groundbreaking effort in the field [2]. - His work faced controversy due to accusations of damaging the murals during his replication process, leading to a significant backlash from the academic community [3][4]. Group 2: Chang Shuhong's Role - Chang Shuhong arrived in Dunhuang in 1943, taking over the responsibility of preserving the murals after Zhang Daqian's departure, dedicating his life to this cause [4][6]. - He faced severe living conditions and personal sacrifices, including the departure of his wife, yet he remained committed to the protection and study of Dunhuang art [6][7]. - Under his leadership, the Dunhuang Art Research Institute was established, and he became known as the "Guardian of Dunhuang," symbolizing dedication to cultural preservation [6][8]. Group 3: Legacy and Impact - The friendship and collaboration between Zhang Daqian and Chang Shuhong have inspired subsequent generations of artists and scholars to continue the work of preserving Dunhuang's cultural heritage [8]. - Their efforts have led to a resurgence of interest in Dunhuang art, with modern scholars and artists employing digital technology and traditional methods to ensure the longevity of these cultural treasures [8].

Group 1 - The summer season in Beijing has seen a surge in traditional cultural performances, enriching the cultural life of its citizens [1] - The stage play "Little Sheep Pen Alley" has premiered at the Lao She Theater, innovatively adapted from five of Lao She's novels, showcasing the resilience and struggles of characters during wartime [3][6] - The performance combines various forms of traditional Beijing art, including Jingyun Dagu, Meihua Dagu, Beijing Qinqin, and others, highlighting rich local cultural elements [3][6] Group 2 - A concert at the Bell and Drum Tower, in collaboration with the Chinese People's University, featured traditional Chinese music intertwined with Western instruments, showcasing national intangible cultural heritage [9] - The Beijing People's Art Theatre announced the revival of the classic play "Rickshaw Boy," aiming to restore its original 1957 aesthetics, set to premiere on July 18, 2025 [12][14] - The immersive musical drama "Called by the Dunhuang" recently performed in Gansu, blending different artistic forms to celebrate Dunhuang culture [15] Group 3 - A commemorative drama evening was held in Yan'an to honor the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War, featuring performances from multiple award-winning artists [17] - The chairman of the Chinese Theatre Association emphasized the importance of delivering quality artistic works to engage the audience and encourage them to visit theaters [19]

Core Insights - The performance "Silk Road Flowers" has gained significant popularity, with over 4,000 shows in more than 40 countries and regions, attracting over 5.45 million viewers since its premiere in 1979 [1][2][3] - The lead actress, Xi Jiali, emphasizes the importance of not only mastering dance movements but also deeply understanding the story and emotions behind the character [1][2] - The dance style incorporates elements from Dunhuang murals, with innovative choreography that blends traditional and modern dance, enhancing the overall appeal of the performance [2][3] Group 1 - "Silk Road Flowers" is recognized for its artistic representation of Dunhuang culture, showcasing a unique dance style that transforms static murals into dynamic performances [2][3] - The character "Ying Niang," portrayed by Xi Jiali, is the youngest actress to take on this role, reflecting a connection with contemporary youth [1] - The performance has been enhanced with modern music elements and digital technology, making it more engaging for audiences [2] Group 2 - Xi Jiali has participated in nearly 200 performances and has traveled to over 10 countries, promoting traditional Chinese culture on an international stage [2][3] - The audience's enthusiastic response includes participation in dance movements, indicating a growing interest in traditional dance forms [2] - The production aims to promote Chinese traditional culture globally, with a focus on making it accessible and enjoyable for international audiences [3]

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Chepu and Dunhuang Art Museum introduces a new series of scented products that blend Dunhuang aesthetics with modern fragrance design, creating an artistic journey through scent [1][10]. Group 1: Product Inspiration and Design - The new products draw inspiration from Dunhuang murals, encapsulating the elegance of the flying celestial beings and the spirit of the Nine-Colored Deer in their design, resulting in a stylish and culturally rich car fragrance [2]. - The collaboration with one of the world's top ten fragrance companies, Drom, and several international perfumers aims to create an aromatic experience that narrates the profound cultural heritage of Dunhuang [2]. Group 2: Fragrance Descriptions - The "National Color and Fragrance" scent evokes the vibrant atmosphere of a Dunhuang market, filled with rich floral and fruity aromas, enhancing the lively ambiance [4]. - The "Zen Tea Space" fragrance offers a calming tea scent that helps to isolate from the hustle and bustle, promoting relaxation and inner peace through its layered aromas [6]. - The "Agarwood" scent creates a deep and mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of entering a sealed Dunhuang cave, enveloping users in a tranquil and serene environment [8]. Group 3: Cultural Significance and Experience - In a fast-paced society, the new Chepu fragrances provide an escape from daily stress, allowing users to embark on a journey filled with cultural richness and personal exploration [10]. - The products aim to bring historical essence into the present, revitalizing classic elements of Chinese culture and allowing Eastern fragrance traditions to flourish [10].

Core Viewpoint - The "Dunhuang Cultural Exhibition" titled "Mountains and Seas Have Feelings · Desert Echoes" officially opened at the Liaoning Provincial Museum on May 18, showcasing over 260 pieces of Dunhuang artifacts, marking the largest Dunhuang cultural exhibition in Northeast China to date [4][5]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition will last for three months and is divided into four sections: "History and Culture of Dunhuang," "Dunhuang Cave Art," "Dunhuang in Liaoning," and "Protection and Inheritance" [4][5]. - Among the 260 exhibits, 110 pieces are from the Dunhuang Cave manuscripts and Li Yu's manuscripts, with over 90% being displayed for the first time [5][6]. Group 2: Notable Artifacts - The exhibition features the complete version of the "Bodhidharma Stele Inscription," a significant text for Zen Buddhism research, which is being shown to the public for the first time [7]. - The "Laozi Daodejing Preface" and the museum's treasure "Kefa Master’s First Copy" are also on display, showcasing the beauty of calligraphy and the historical significance of these texts [8][10]. Group 3: Historical Context - The Dunhuang manuscripts have been scattered globally since their discovery in 1900, with significant collections found in various cities including Beijing, Paris, and St. Petersburg [6]. - The "Shengli Stele," which records the construction time of the Mogao Caves, is also part of the exhibition, highlighting the historical importance of the site [11].

Group 1 - The core exhibition "Mountains and Seas Have Feelings: The Desert Echoes" featuring Dunhuang culture opened on May 18 at the Liaoning Provincial Museum, showcasing over 260 exhibits, including more than 110 precious Dunhuang documents and artifacts from the Liaoning region [1][4] - The exhibition is co-hosted by the Liaoning Provincial Museum and the Dunhuang Research Academy, and will last for three months, featuring significant cultural relics such as the "Mogao Caves Six-Character Mantra Stele" [1][4] - The exhibition is divided into four sections: "History and Culture of Dunhuang," "Dunhuang Cave Art," "Dunhuang in Liaoning," and "Protection and Inheritance" [4] Group 2 - The "Mogao Caves Six-Character Mantra Stele," a notable artifact from the exhibition, was unearthed from Cave 61 of the Mogao Caves and dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, reflecting the multicultural exchanges in the Dunhuang region during that period [4] - The Liaoning Provincial Museum's treasure, "Ke Fa Shi First Copy," is also on display, showcasing the development of cursive script in the Tang Dynasty and its high calligraphic value [5] - Since 2019, the Liaoning Provincial Museum has systematically organized and researched its collection of Dunhuang documents, achieving significant research results, with this exhibition serving as an important showcase of those findings [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the efforts of international scholars, particularly American Sinologist Shi Hanwen and Russian teacher Olya, in studying and promoting Dunhuang art, showcasing the cultural exchange and collaboration between China and the world [2][3][6]. Group 1: Cultural Exchange and Research - Shi Hanwen's research reveals similarities between Dunhuang murals and Da Vinci's works, indicating cultural exchanges along the Silk Road [3]. - Olya, a Russian scholar, has dedicated years to studying and promoting Dunhuang culture, emphasizing the importance of language as a medium for cultural exchange [8][11]. - Both scholars have engaged in various educational activities, including lectures and workshops, to share Dunhuang's rich cultural heritage with international audiences [6][11]. Group 2: Personal Journeys and Contributions - Shi Hanwen's journey began in 1987 when he first visited Dunhuang, leading to a long-term commitment to studying its culture [4]. - Olya's connection to Dunhuang started in 2007, and she has since become a significant figure in promoting its art and culture in China and abroad [8][9]. - Both scholars have received recognition for their contributions, with Olya being awarded the "Dunhuang Prize" and recognized as a prominent figure in cultural exchange [8][9]. Group 3: Future Endeavors - Shi Hanwen is set to collaborate on an international documentary produced by George Lucas, aimed at showcasing the significance of Dunhuang in global narrative art [7]. - Olya continues to build academic exchange platforms and promote cooperation between Chinese and international students, enhancing cultural understanding [11].