Source: People's Daily - People's Daily
Dunhuang diaspora overseas fine cultural relics reproduction exhibition. Photo by Wang Wenjia (People's Vision)
Tourists are shopping for specialty goods.
Tourists visit at the Cultural Tourism Commodity Exhibition.
The opening scene of "One Session, One Section". Photo courtesy of the Propaganda Department of the Gansu Provincial Party Committee
Discuss cultural exchanges and share cultural prosperity.
The 5th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Culture Expo and the 10th Dunhuang Silk Road International Tourism Festival were held in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, from September 24 to 26.
With the theme of "Symphonic Silk Road Cultural Expo World", this year's "One Session and One Section" invited South Korea to serve as the guest of honor, and was held in a combination of online and offline methods. During the period, three forums were held, including the Dunhuang Forum, the "Belt and Road" Exchange and Cooperation Cultural Forum, and the "Five Liangs" Cultural Forum, and also held four exhibitions, including the National Exhibition of The Guest of Honor (Korean Cultural Tourism and Cultural and Creative Products Exhibition), the Exhibition of Dunhuang's Diaspora Overseas Fine Cultural Relics Reproduction Exhibition, the Silk Road Cultural Tourism Commodity Exhibition, and the Chang Shana Design Award Winning Works Exhibition.
The Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, which came into being under the "Belt and Road" initiative, is the only comprehensive international expo in China with the theme of "Belt and Road" cultural exchanges, and has been successfully held for 4 sessions; the Dunhuang Silk Road International Tourism Festival, as the only permanent international tourism festival named after the Silk Road in China, has been successfully held for 9 sessions. The "one meeting, one section" has achieved fruitful political, cultural and economic results.
Create a new chapter in the prosperity of the Silk Road
Yin Hong, secretary of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress
Through the smoke and clouds of history and in line with the expectations of all parties, the "Belt and Road" major initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping embodies thousands of years of oriental wisdom, carries the dream of rejuvenation along the route, and provides a Chinese solution for building a community with a shared future for mankind. In the past eight years since the "Belt and Road" initiative was proposed, it has opened up new space for world economic growth, built a new platform for international trade cooperation, and provided a new path for improving the well-being of people in all countries.
Gansu has been closely linked to the Silk Road since ancient times, and the Silk Road has reached all directions because of Gansu, and Gansu is famous for the Silk Road. In the new era, with the in-depth advancement of the joint construction of the "Belt and Road", Gansu has become the forefront of China's opening up to the west, and has become an important hub connecting the "Belt and Road" and connecting various regional plates. Here is a unique location, convenient transportation and logistics, the ancient Silk Road through the territory of Gansu has more than 1600 kilometers, Hexi Corridor has been a must for the land circulation of Asia and Europe, along the way distributed Lanzhou, Jiuquan, Wuwei, Dunhuang and other well-known commercial ports, with a three-dimensional transportation network connecting the east and the west, connecting the south and the north, in all directions. Here rich in resources, huge development potential, mineral resources, energy resources and Chinese herbal resources endowments are superior, known as "non-ferrous metal town" and "millennium medicine town" reputation, solar energy, wind energy resources are abundant, with the country's first 10 million kilowatt wind power base, with the implementation of the national "double carbon" strategy, the development of clean energy industry is releasing great potential. Here, cultural diversity and natural landscapes are diverse, and the ancestral culture, farming culture, Yellow River culture, Silk Road culture, and ethnic folk culture shine together. At the same time, Gansu is also a very beautiful place, with all the landform types except the ocean and islands and reefs, known as the "museum of natural wonders", and is recognized as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Here the industry is complete, the development prospects are broad, the petrochemical, nonferrous metallurgy, coal building materials, equipment manufacturing and other traditional industries have a strong foundation, new energy, new materials, traditional Chinese medicine, digital economy and other industries are booming, forming a relatively complete modern industrial system, is building a number of 100 billion industrial clusters and 10 billion industrial parks, the development momentum is getting better and better.
In recent years, Gansu has actively seized the biggest opportunity of jointly building the "Belt and Road", given full play to the advantages of channels, hubs and cultures, and in accordance with the overall requirements of both internal and external considerations, land and sea linkage, westward-oriented, and multi-directional advancement, closely focusing on entering a new stage of development, implementing new development concepts, building a new development pattern, promoting high-quality development, continuing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with various places along the Silk Road, and deeply promoting policy communication, facility connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people ties. The three-dimensional international transport channel has been fully completed, a diversified international trade pattern has been formed, all-round people-to-people exchanges and cooperation have been promoted in depth, and the open economic development has shown a good situation of strong attraction and high activity.
At present, the century-old changes and the century epidemic are intertwined and superimposed, and the instability and uncertainty of the development of the world economy have risen significantly, and it is our common responsibility and mission to overcome the epidemic, promote development and promote prosperity. We hold the "One Meeting and One Section" with a high degree of recognition of the spirit of the Silk Road and a beautiful vision for the future of the Silk Road, build a bridge of communication for the cultural integration of the Silk Road, add impetus to the development of the silk road, and strive to build the "Belt and Road" into a road of cooperation that unites to meet challenges, a healthy road to safeguard the health and safety of the people, a road to recovery that promotes economic and social recovery, and a growth road that releases development potential. We are willing to work with friends from all walks of life at home and abroad to rely on the "one meeting and one section", cooperate closely, integrate development, work together to overcome the epidemic, tide over difficulties together, make due contributions to the recovery of the world economy, create a better future of mutually beneficial cooperation and development, and work together to write a new chapter in the prosperity and revitalization of the Silk Road.
Build bridges to the world
South Korea's Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwang Hee
During the Western Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian sent envoys to the Western Regions and opened up the Silk Road. The Silk Road is not only the main passage connecting the cultures of the East and the West, but also the starting point for the rapid development of human civilization.
This year's Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo was held in Dunhuang, Gansu, the center of the splendid civilization of the Silk Road, once again reminding people of how important cultural exchanges are in human history.
Right now, the world is fighting COVID-19. As a messenger of solace and hope in everyday life, the role of culture is more important than ever. It is hoped that through the Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, Dunhuang can reproduce its significance as a hub for civilization exchanges and become a bridge connecting the world.
The Silk Road in the 21st century can be said to be a network that can connect the global village in real time. In this networked world, colorful cultures are not limited by time and space, intertwined and integrated, showing us unlimited possibilities.
The Republic of Korea looks forward to the coexistence of cultures around the world, and to working with all the participating countries here to more actively promote cultural exchanges and cooperation based on cutting-edge digital technologies and online platforms, so as to better inherit culture. We are actively committed to supporting cultural exchanges around the world and leading cultural innovation. We will also do our utmost to make people in Asia and around the world cultural partners. In Dunhuang, a great meeting point of The Ancient and Western Cultures, we look forward to writing a new chapter of splendid culture with you.
China's actions reflect the responsibility of a major country
Zhu Shanzhong, Executive Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organization
As one of the world's largest industries, tourism is a pillar industry in many countries. In recent years, China has become a veritable tourist power. In 2019, the number of Chinese residents traveling abroad reached 155 million, contributing to the world's tourism industry.
In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, which provides the world with a common prosperity and development plan full of oriental wisdom. In the past 8 years, the circle of friends of the "Belt and Road" has been expanding, and the development prospects are getting better and better. The joint construction of the "Belt and Road" has not only opened up a new world for China's opening up and development, but also provided new opportunities for countries around the world. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is fully aware of the Chinese government's efforts to promote win-win cooperation among Belt and Road countries. Under the strong leadership of the Chinese government, China's epidemic prevention and control has achieved major strategic results. At present, China's domestic tourism market has shown a trend of supply and demand, which has set an example for the recovery of global tourism. At the recent BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting, China expressed its willingness to work with all parties to explore and establish an international mutual recognition mechanism for health codes and explore a feasible path for the recovery of international tourism. China has explained the importance of international cooperation and exchanges with its actions, which is a key move to promote the recovery of the global tourism industry and reflects the responsibility of a major tourism country.
New tourism models promote sustainable development
UNESCO Representative in China Xia Zehan
The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed in 2013, embodies the spirit of the Silk Road and emphasizes the importance of cultural exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. UNESCO has been a strong supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Culture, as an integrated and thriving industry, contributes 6.1% to the global economy, generates $2.25 trillion in revenue each year, and creates nearly 330 million jobs worldwide.
At the same time, cultural tourism has created unprecedented opportunities. Before the global outbreak, at least 500 million people visited 55 World Heritage Sites, and China's World Heritage Sites alone generated more than 14.3 billion yuan of direct tourism revenue.
Since 2011, UNESCO has been leading the World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme, in which tourism and heritage management are integrated at the destination level, natural and cultural heritage is valued and protected, and moderate tourism is developed. The World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Initiative has achieved fruitful results in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, which has strongly advocated cultural tourism policies and adopted new tourism models, promoting sustainable development, host-guest interaction and cultural exchange.
China is a strong partner of UNESCO, shares this global vision and places culture at the forefront of social and economic transformation. China has integrated the concept of promoting cultural development into the 14th Five-Year Plan, which plays an important role in promoting economic growth, poverty reduction, social inclusion, "green" society and other key development goals.
Strengthen people-to-people exchanges and continue the spirit of the Silk Road
Zhang Xu, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism
More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Silk Road opened up a millennium of cultural exchanges and economic and trade exchanges between countries, and promoted the continuous enrichment and development of human civilization in the process of openness and mutual learning. Entering a new era, President Xi Jinping put forward the "Belt and Road" major initiative, providing the world with a Chinese plan that carries the common prosperity of the people of all countries, and has also become a great practice for benefiting the world and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
We should give full play to the platform role of the Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo and the Dunhuang Silk Road International Tourism Festival, adhere to the people-centered development concept, create and cultivate more and better cultural and tourism brands, plan to implement more and better international cooperation projects, and improve the happiness index of the people through high-quality development of culture and tourism.
We must focus on promoting culture to cast the soul, give play to the role of cultural empowerment, focus on promoting tourism for the people, give play to the leading role of tourism, continuously improve and optimize the cultural and tourism exchange and cooperation mechanism between the "Belt and Road" countries, give full play to the important role of the Silk Road International Theatre Alliance, museum alliance, art festival alliance, library alliance, art museum alliance and other alliance mechanisms, strengthen communication, exchanges and cooperation among the members of the alliance, and inject strong impetus into the people-to-people exchanges of the "Belt and Road" countries.
We should comprehensively promote exchanges and cooperation in the field of cultural heritage, explore and share advanced protection and inheritance technologies, innovate and rational use models, and improve the level of cultural heritage protection and inheritance. It is necessary not only to let the cultural heritage that has gone through thousands of years be retained, but also to use the cultural relics, classics, crafts and other cultural heritage that carry the cultural blood of various countries, so that the civilizations of various countries can compete for glory in exchanges, bloom in mutual learning, and make the Spirit of the Silk Road continue to last in the inheritance and shine in the protection.
Creating the future for the younger generation
Minister of Culture of Belarus Anatoly Markovich
The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed out a new path for the dialogue and development of all human civilizations to a higher level.
Today, while we are developing the Belt and Road Initiative, we are also creating a future for the younger generation. As President Xi Jinping emphasized at the Boao Forum for Asia, the "Belt and Road" is a sunny road for everyone to move forward hand in hand, not a private road for one party.
China is one of The Important Partners of Belarus in the world. In difficult times, our two countries have a deep sense of brotherhood and sincere cooperation. Whether in the face of the epidemic or in the international arena, we support each other and provide assistance to each other in a timely manner. Belarus was one of the first countries to support the Belt and Road Initiative. Today, Belarus has become an important fulcrum of the Belt and Road Initiative in Europe, which has greatly promoted cultural prosperity and people-to-people exchanges.
Belarus has always been actively involved in the Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Exposition. Adhering to the spirit of the Dunhuang Declaration, we adhere to cultural diversity, equality and inclusiveness, protect the historical and cultural heritage of countries along the Route, and strengthen cultural dialogue at all levels. Not long ago, the two governments announced that 2021-2022 would be the Year of Local Cooperation between Belarus and China, and adopted programs covering more than 100 local cooperation and exchange projects, including cooperation in the field of culture and tourism. Local cooperation should become a new driving force for pragmatic cooperation between Belarus and China.
The revitalization of the Silk Road promotes people-to-people exchanges
Ahmed Avista, Coordinating Director of Global Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism at the World Bank
It is a great honor to be invited to the beautiful Dunhuang in Gansu Province to participate in this grand event. Gansu has a glorious and long history and is one of the most important destinations on the ancient Silk Road. The Silk Road is famous and has a long history, and is the common heritage of mankind, and the revitalization of the Silk Road requires the use of international trade to promote people-to-people exchanges. The international cultural expo was held here, highlighting China's emphasis on protecting cultural heritage, promoting the development of cultural tourism and strengthening international cultural exchanges in promoting the construction of the "Belt and Road".
Gansu is located in the prime location of the Silk Road, and its natural, cultural and historical resources are rich and unique. At present, on a global scale, the cultural and creative industries continue to grow, making significant contributions to promoting economic development and creating employment opportunities. I was deeply impressed by Gansu's unique cultural and creative industries, with calligraphy, ink painting, jade carving, red pottery, sculpture, wood carving, folk performing arts, clothing and cuisine.
The International Cultural Expo has built a platform that will help partners from countries along the Silk Road to exchange experiences, share knowledge and achieve more international dialogue.
This edition of the manuscript was interviewed and sorted out by Wang Jintao, a reporter of this newspaper
Layout design: Zhang Danfeng
People's Daily (2021-09-29 14th edition)