The Dunhuang International Convention and Exhibition Center. [Photo/Gansu Cultural Expo Bureau]

The 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo and 2026 Dunhuang Forum will be held in Dunhuang from Nov 2 to 4 under the theme of "Strengthening Cultural Exchanges and Promoting Mutual Learning Among Civilizations".

About 1,200 people from home and abroad are expected to participate. The program includes 18 main activities across seven categories, eight sub-forums, an 18,000-square-meter Silk Road exhibition, investment promotions, performances, and immersive cultural experiences.

Eight previous editions attracted nearly 10,000 people from more than 120 countries and regions, making the expo an important platform for Belt and Road cultural exchange.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for Nov 3, with minister-level officials from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), international organization representatives, officials, diplomats, experts, and business leaders attending.

The exhibition will feature five main zones showcasing Dunhuang Academy achievements, Gansu cultural innovation and intangible cultural heritage products, Dunhuang traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture, achievements in BRI people-to-people exchange, and Dunhuang fine arts.

Investment activities will target Gansu's strengths, including aerospace, petrochemicals, green computing, digital economy, new energy, agriculture, and cultural tourism integration, while various winter-spring tourism routes were launched.

Activities for young sinologists, as well as immersive experiences in TCM culture and Dunhuang art will also be arranged. The expo aims to deepen Silk Road cooperation and support the development of culture and tourism in Gansu.