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].

Group 1 - The "2025 Silk Road Week" opened on July 11 at the China Silk Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, with Inner Mongolia as the guest province and Brazil as the guest country [1] - The theme exhibition "Blue Color of the Grassland Silk Road: 10th-12th Century" was launched as part of the Silk Road Week, featuring 213 cultural relics, including 63 first-class relics from six cultural institutions in Inner Mongolia [3] - The exhibition aims to showcase the cultural exchanges along the Grassland Silk Road and highlight the integration of diverse civilizations in China, running until October 20 [3] Group 2 - The event included performances by Inner Mongolia artists, showcasing the region's cultural heritage through music and dance, which received positive audience feedback [15][19] - The Silk Road Week activities are organized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the Zhejiang Provincial Government, with a growing international influence, having attracted participation from over 22 countries and more than 20 million people since its inception in 2020 [21]