China has announced the construction of its first national heritage route along the Hexi Corridor, a historically significant passageway associated with the ancient Silk Road.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Gansu Province, where officials unveiled a comprehensive implementation plan aimed at cultural preservation and tourism development over the next ten years.

The plan establishes phased goals for 2025, 2030, and 2035, with aims to establish five model frameworks by the end of 2030: cultural heritage conservation, natural heritage preservation, protection and exhibition of intangible cultural heritage, an international tourism belt, and international cultural exchange and cooperation.

The Hexi Corridor, stretching approximately 1,000 kilometers through Gansu Province, has a rich history that dates back to the time of Zhang Qian in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 25).

It has played a crucial role in linking Eastern and Western cultures and economies, serving as a foundation for the modern Belt and Road Initiative.

This region is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 59 nationally protected cultural heritage sites, alongside nearly 300 national and provincial intangible cultural heritage projects, two world geoparks, one national park, eight national nature reserves, and 23 national natural parks.

Key cultural heritage sites targeted for preservation and tourism development include the Ming Dynasty Jiayuguan section of the Great Wall and the famed Dunhuang Mogao Caves.

Plans involve the development of initiatives focused on the interpretation of heritage value, a designated cave art corridor, the Great Wall frontier corridor, and the integrated protection of ancient cities and towns.

The Gansu Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration revealed that by 2024, digital technology will significantly enhance efforts to preserve and promote the Dunhuang Caves.

Initiatives include the near-completion of the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center and the Physical Simulation Laboratory for Earthen Sites, alongside various projects aimed at cave and mural restoration and digital preservation.

The digital documentation efforts have reportedly led to the completion of detailed 3D reconstructions and high-resolution imaging of numerous caves and manuscripts, fostering international sharing of these historical treasures.

From May 29 to 31, Dunhuang hosted the fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations.

This event featured an immersive experience at the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center, where attendees witnessed performances blending historical narratives with artistic innovation.

Esteemed scholars, including sinologists from Germany, praised the captivating presentation.

In addition to local preservation efforts, Gansu is strategizing to position Dunhuang as a global tourism hub, branding it as 'Dunhuang of the World,' 'Dunhuang for Humanity,' and the 'Cultural Capital of East Asia.'

At the press conference, officials highlighted ongoing improvements in the Jiayuguan Great Wall national demonstration zone, which includes enhancements to the historical environment and the creation of a scenic corridor centered around the Jiayuguan Fortress.

Between 2025 and 2035, Gansu will prioritize the preservation of 52 representative cultural and natural heritage sites and 20 recognized intangible cultural heritage items, with projects encompassing heritage conservation, infrastructure development, tourism planning, and international collaboration.