[Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

China’s Gansu province doesn’t only boast a wide range of natural wonders, but is also renowned for its rich diversity of historical and cultural heritage. As a major stopover on the ancient Silk Road, Gansu witnessed the convergence of various cultures and has inherited a spirit of inclusiveness from the ancient trade route.

In recent years, Gansu province has achieved a rapid development in its cultural and tourism sector through fully utilizing its geographical advantage and grasping the opportunity brought by the Belt and Road Initiative. Important platforms such as the Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo have become vital pillars in facilitating local tourism.

According to Luo Shugang, China’s minister of culture and tourism, since last year, the annual growth rate of both the number of tourist arrivals and tourism revenue in Gansu province has exceeded 25 percent, testifying to its robust development in tourism.

The fourth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo and the ninth Dunhuang Tour-Silk Road International Tourism Festival will run for 40 days and closes on September 5. Over 30 cultural activities will be held across 14 cities in Gansu province.