Core Points - Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and national pride during his visit to the Maijishan Grottoes, urging cultural workers to continue the "Mogao Spirit" and contribute to the preservation and innovation of traditional Chinese culture [2] Group 1 - The Maijishan Grottoes, one of China's four major grottoes, was established approximately 1,600 years ago during the Later Qin dynasty [2] - In 2014, the Maijishan Grottoes were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Silk Road: the Network of Roads from Chang'an to the Tianshan Mountains" [2]

Core Points - Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and national pride during his visit to the Maijishan Grottoes, urging cultural workers to continue the "Mogao Spirit" and contribute to the preservation and innovation of Chinese traditional culture [2] Group 1 - The Maijishan Grottoes, one of China's four major grottoes, were established approximately 1,600 years ago during the Later Qin dynasty [2] - In 2014, the Maijishan Grottoes were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" [2]

Core Points - The article emphasizes the significance of the Maijishan Grottoes, particularly highlighting the prevalence of smiling Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, which reflect a unique aspect of Chinese Buddhist art [1][7] - The Maijishan Grottoes are recognized as one of China's four major grottoes, often referred to as the "Eastern Sculpture Museum" due to their rich collection of sculptures [1][7] Summary by Sections Overview of Maijishan Grottoes - Located in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, Maijishan is known for its unique mountain shape resembling a stack of wheat, leading to its name [1] - The grottoes were established during the Southern and Northern Dynasties and have been expanded and renovated through various dynasties, preserving a total of 221 caves and over 10,632 statues [7] Artistic Features - The article describes the "Eastern Smile" as a key characteristic of the statues, with many figures displaying serene smiles that convey a sense of peace and wisdom [2][7] - Notable examples include the statue in Cave 44, which is believed to be modeled after the empress of the Western Wei, showcasing intricate details and a captivating smile [2] Cultural Significance - The smiling figures in Maijishan reflect a blend of local emotional life and spiritual aspirations, presenting a more humanized and secular approach to Buddhist art compared to other grottoes like Yungang and Longmen [8] - The craftsmanship in Maijishan emphasizes a connection between the divine and the local community, portraying a vision of a blissful world that resonates with the everyday experiences of the people [8] Visitor Information - The Maijishan Grottoes are open year-round, with various ticket prices for general and special caves, making it accessible for visitors [9][10]

Group 1 - The Silk Road historically served as a vital connection between China and foreign countries, with the "Silk Road: The Network of Routes from Chang'an to the Tianshan Corridor" being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, including 33 heritage sites such as the ruins of the Weiyang Palace and the Mogao Caves [1] - The establishment of the Silk Road transformed it into a comprehensive trade route, official road, and cultural exchange pathway during the Han Dynasty, particularly through Zhang Qian's missions to the Western Regions [2] - The Han Dynasty set up over 80 relay stations along the route from Chang'an to Dunhuang, which served as crucial safety and navigation points across the vast desert [3] Group 2 - Following the successful UNESCO listing, the protection and management of 22 domestic heritage sites have reached unprecedented levels, integrating new technologies and modern conservation concepts [4] - The ancient Silk Road initiated a significant era of East-West exchanges, and the modern "Belt and Road Initiative" aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation among countries, opening a new chapter in globalization [5] - The ongoing practice of the "Belt and Road Initiative" continues to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, contributing to the growth of human civilization [6]