Silk Road - A New Look

More than 2000 years ago, the talented and courageous people of Eurasia explored and opened up several land and sea routes that linked the major civilizations of Asia, Europe and Africa, which are collectively called the Silk Road by later generations. For thousands of years, the Silk Road Spirit - "peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit" - has been passed from generation to generation. Like a beautiful ribbon, the Silk Road linked the civilizations of the East and the West closely, which promoted the thought and cultural exchanges between each other, contributed greatly to the prosperity and development of the countries along the Silk Road and played a very important role in advancing globalization and the diverse development of human cultures. Its tolerance and openness sets a shining example for later generations.

As time goes by, the ancient Silk Road experienced tremendous changes. In the 21st century, the world multi-polarization and economic globalization are further developing, and the interdependence between all countries keeps growing. Therefore, it is more important and valuable to inherit and carry forward the spirit of the Silk Road. Under this background, China proposed the important initiative of jointly building “the Silk Road Economic Belt” and “the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road” (hereinafter referred to as the Belt and Road), which gives new contemporary connotation to the ancient Silk Road. The initiative to jointly build the Belt and Road aims to promote the connectivity of Asian, European and African continents and their adjacent seas, set up all-dimensional, multi-level and compound connectivity networks, and realize diversified, independent, balanced and sustainable development in these countries. Jointly building the Belt and Road is in the interests of the world community, reflecting the common ideals and pursuit of human societies.

With the continuous building of the Belt and Road, the areas along the Belt and Road face a historic development opportunity, and the ancient Silk Road is instilled with new vigor and vitality. China is willing to work together with all countries along the Belt and Road to compose a magnificent movement of “openness and inclusiveness, cooperation and mutual benefit.” Through the lenses of photographers, this exhibition displays the new look of areas in China along the ancient Silk Road in the new era as well as the local people's humanity spirit of “inclusiveness, openness and harmony” to pass on the good vision of Chinese people to jointly build the Belt and Road. [Photos provided to Chinaculture.org]