International guests visit a cultural exhibition at the 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo. [Photo provided to silkroadexpo.gogansu.com]

The 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo and the 2026 Dunhuang Forum reported strong results at a news conference in Dunhuang, Gansu province, on Nov 4.

The expo held 18 main activities, including exhibitions, performances, investment promotion, and cultural tourism experiences. More than 1,000 Chinese and international guests from over 50 countries and multiple international organizations attended.

Cultural exhibitions covered about 18,000 square meters and involved more than 400 enterprises and institutions. They highlighted achievements in world cultural heritage protection, Dunhuang studies and Dunhuang medicine, as well as cultural exchange among countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, Gansu cultural innovation and Dunhuang art.

Traditional crafts, artworks, intangible cultural heritage, and cultural products attracted visitors. Two Belt and Road international art performances and a young sinologists training program were also held.

Investment activities included a Gansu cultural tourism industry chain promotion event, which released 18 premium tourism routes under nine themes, a Gansu distinctive industries matchmaking meeting, and a consumer promotion event integrating agriculture, culture, tourism, sports, health, exhibitions, and commerce.

Held alongside the expo, the 2026 Dunhuang Forum focused on strengthening cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations and held eight sub-forums. More than 700 guests from home and abroad were invited, and over 200 of them made presentations.