The long river of the desert, with continuous string songs. On the new journey of jointly building high-quality development along the the Belt and Road, civilization dialogue is becoming a key force to tighten the spiritual bond between China and ASEAN. Dunhuang, Gansu welcomes a civilization pact that spans mountains and seas, ushering in a dialogue on China ASEAN cultural heritage with endless beauty and prosperity. This grand gathering of over a hundred domestic and foreign guests is not only a contemporary echo of the Silk Road spirit, but also a vivid example of regional cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Gathering in Dunhuang to discuss civilization together

2026 is the theme year for the 5th anniversary of the establishment of China ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, and cultural heritage cooperation is an important link for bilateral cultural exchanges. On July 2nd, the China ASEAN Cultural Heritage Dialogue was successfully held in Dunhuang, Gansu Province. Leaders from the China Foreign Languages Administration, the Propaganda Department of the Gansu Provincial Party Committee, and the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance attended the event and delivered speeches. 150 cultural and museum experts, youth representatives, and others from China, ASEAN countries, and international organizations participated in the meeting.

During the speech, Yu Yingfu stated that both sides should build a solid foundation for heritage protection cooperation, expand the integration of culture and tourism, activate the power of youth exchanges, and rely on cooperation in the cultural and museum fields to build a close China ASEAN community with a shared future. Xue Ning pointed out that Gansu will leverage the advantages of the Silk Road hub and cultural tourism resources, continue to deepen cultural cooperation with ASEAN, and consolidate the foundation of bilateral friendship. Ivan stated that China and ASEAN have complementary cultural and museum experiences, and both sides can learn from each other and work together to safeguard regional cultural heritage.

Numerical intelligence enriches color and continues cultural heritage

During the keynote speech, industry experts shared their insights on the inheritance of Silk Road heritage, digital protection, and cultural and intellectual property rights. The guests proposed to inherit the spirit of the Silk Road, rely on the intellectual property system to safeguard heritage revitalization, and promote the construction of cultural heritage adapted to regional sustainable development.

Case exchange session, Chinese and foreign representatives share practical experience: Liangzhu and Yungang Grottoes showcase digital technology cultural relics protection achievements such as big data and 3D scanning; Indonesia introduces the integration model of heritage and digital cultural and creative industries; Cambodia shares digital twin ancient building restoration technology; Malaysia interprets the cross-border cultural value of overseas Chinese immigration; Technology companies showcase digital application solutions for cultural and museum scenes.

IP incubation builds a dream for the future

The exclusive theme IP of China ASEAN cultural heritage was released at the event site, interpreting the concept of bilateral civilization coexistence through protection, connection, and symbiosis. The intelligent robot Lingxi interpreted the connotation of the IP on site. The Cultural Heritage IP Incubation Capability Enhancement Plan, jointly initiated by multiple domestic and foreign institutions, has been launched simultaneously. It provides online and offline training for young people and cultural and museum practitioners from both sides, incubates cultural and creative IPs, and establishes a normalized cross-border exchange mechanism. At the roundtable discussion, Chinese and foreign guests reached a consensus: to promote the revitalization of heritage art, industrial integration, and do a good job in international dissemination of cultural heritage. Keywords: the Belt and Road news, Dunhuang, Gansu, cultural heritage

This event will be accompanied by a special exhibition on the encounter between Mogao Caves and Angkor Wat. From July 2nd to 5th, 2026, a multi country youth cultural and educational research and visit activity will be held simultaneously. It is reported that since its launch in 2024, the dialogue event has been held on a tour of China and Maldives, and has been recognized by UNESCO, becoming an important platform for China ASEAN cultural exchange and people to people connectivity.Editor/Gong Ziwei