Reviving the Ancient Silk Road Spirit: A Journey of Cultural Exchange and Cooperation

The phrase "丝路万里画卷" (Silk Road Ten Thousand Li Scroll) encapsulates a myriad of initiatives and artistic expressions that celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and connections along the historic Silk Road. This concept, deeply intertwined with China's "Belt and Road Initiative" (一带一路), has been brought to life through a series of exhibitions, digital projects, and cultural events that aim to revive and expand the ancient Silk Road spirit of peace, cooperation, and mutual benefit.

In recent years, the Silk Road has been highlighted through various mediums, starting with the 7th China Beijing International Art Biennale in 2017, featuring an exhibition titled "丝路画卷" (Silk Road Scroll). This event showcased a magnificent 30-meter-long scroll from the Ming Dynasty, depicting the Silk Road from Jiayuguan to Mecca, symbolizing the last glory of the ancient route. The following years saw the launch of the "Digital Art Exhibition of the Silk Road Mountain and Water Map" in 2021, offering an immersive historical and cultural experience, and the hosting of a special annual exhibition at the British Museum in 2023, titled "Eight Directions of the Silk Road: Ten Thousand Miles of Shared Splendor," with participation from various museums worldwide.

The journey continued into 2024 with the "Splendid Western Regions, Ten Thousand Miles of Shared Winds - Xinjiang Silk Road Culture Special Exhibition," featuring cultural relics from Xinjiang, Chengdu, and Sichuan. The year 2025 is set to witness the "Silk Road Harmony, Ten Thousand Miles Together - 2025 Silk Road Spring Festival Gala" and the commencement of the "2025 Silk Road Ten Thousand Li Journey 'SCO Road, Moving Forward'" large-scale multinational all-media activity, aimed at promoting cultural exchange and understanding along the Silk Road.

The most recent development, as of August 5, 2025, marks the beginning of the international reporting journey into Central Asia, focusing on innovation in Silk Road cultural dissemination, showcasing new development landscapes, and delving into the history of Silk Road civilization. This initiative aims to create a new chapter of harmonious development under the "Belt and Road Initiative" by connecting historical routes with modern aspirations.

The sentiment surrounding these initiatives, as seen on platforms like Weibo, is largely one of wonder and appreciation for the landscapes, cultural exchange, and the advancements in transportation infrastructure along the Silk Road. The positive reception towards projects like "丝路万里画卷" underscores a collective enthusiasm for preserving the legacy of the Silk Road while fostering a shared future of cultural and economic cooperation.

As the world looks towards the future of the Silk Road, the myriad of projects and expressions under the banner of "丝路万里画卷" serve as bridges connecting the past, present, and future, embodying the spirit of the Silk Road in a modern context. Through these initiatives, the Silk Road continues to be a symbol of connectivity, cultural exchange, and mutual learning among nations.