Where the wind and sand carve out the outlines of ancient watchtowers, and the sound of camel bells drifts across the vast desert. Dunhuang — this thousand-year-old crossroads of the Silk Road — uses golden sands as its canvas and history as its ink to write a chapter of cultural fusion.

From May 21 to 26, 2025, the Whetstone Study Programmes study group from Diligentia College of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) traveled to Dunhuang, Gansu Province, for a week-long study tour. Through in-depth exploration of its rich history, natural landscapes, and artistic achievements, the team sought to feel the vibrant heartbeat of this Silk Road gem that has pulsed for thousands of years, and to uncover the cultural codes that connect the past with the future.

As a key post station along the ancient Silk Road, Xuanquan Post bears not only the weight of millennia-old history but also stands as a witness to the cultural exchanges between East and West. It served as a vital supply stop for merchants and envoys, while its well-developed postal system ensured the smooth transmission of government orders and the flow of trade. Artifacts unearthed from the site, including Han dynasty bamboo slips, vividly reflect the administrative wisdom behind Silk Road transport and offer valuable evidence for understanding the interactions between ancient Eastern and Western civilizations.

The Mogao Grottoes, a sacred site of Buddhist art, stand like a palace of time—holding centuries of memory and magnificence. On its weathered walls, vivid murals unfold like scrolls of history, while the silent statues gaze through the river of time, bearing witness to the dialogue and fusion of civilizations.

At the Dunhuang Academy, we had the privilege of engaging in an in-depth academic dialogue with Professor Wang Huimin, a renowned expert in Dunhuang studies. Drawing on decades of research, Professor Wang delivered a special lecture titled “Artistic Features and Aesthetic Thought of the Dunhuang Caves.” Through an analysis of the murals’ unique composition techniques and use of color, he guided students in decoding the diverse cultural symbols embedded within Dunhuang art. His lecture offered a deeper understanding of how Dunhuang served as a vital bridge connecting civilizations through art and belief.

Qianfodong, or the "Cave of a Thousand Buddhas," stands quietly along the cliffs of the Danghe River Valley, mirroring the grandeur of the Mogao Grottoes. As a key site within the Dunhuang cave system, it may be smaller in scale but is notable for its distinct artistic style. Inside, timeworn murals remain vividly colorful; the flowing lines of celestial figures (Feitian) contrast beautifully with the solemn forms of Buddhist statues. Though the painted sculptures have faded over time, they carry a profound historical presence. Each mural and sculpture tells a story of ancient craftsmanship and reflects the spread and evolution of Buddhist art along the Silk Road.

During the visit, students had the rare opportunity to experience the depth of mural and sculpture art up close, and to try our hand at restoring it ourselves. From understanding how mural damage is assessed, to practicing restoration techniques and shaping clay for traditional sculptures, each hands-on step gave us a deeper appreciation of the skill and dedication behind cultural preservation. As our fingers traced the textures of centuries-old artistry, we could feel the cultural legacy flowing through our hands — a powerful reminder of the responsibility to carry it forward.

This immersive cultural experience helped students realize that Dunhuang is more than a treasure trove of art; it is also a living testament to human civilization. Protecting this heritage needs more than just an act of honoring history, but also a commitment to future generations. We left with a renewed sense of purpose, which is to keep the flame of Dunhuang’s art alive for years to come.

Yangguan and Yumenguan, once critical passes along the Han and Tang-era Silk Road, were both the starting point of Zhang Qian’s westward journey and the end of the line for countless caravans. Today, amid the silence of the Gobi Desert, one can still imagine the clang of weapons and the cries of warhorses from a thousand years ago. Weathered watchtowers and crumbling walls speak of the courage and loyalty of border soldiers. These ancient gateways remain, standing as silent guardians of history, each brick holding a story waiting to be remembered.

Climbing the dunes of Mingsha Mountain and gazing out at Crescent Lake, we experienced the vastness and raw beauty of the desert landscape. Riding camels across the sands, we caught a glimpse of what ancient merchants might have felt as they journeyed along these trade routes — a mix of hardship, wonder, and hope. As the sun set and the camel bells faded, it was easy to feel a connection to the past, sharing in the same golden glow that once lit their path.

The Yardang landform, shaped by centuries of wind erosion, offers one of the most striking landscapes in the Gobi. Here, the scenery is partly formed by nature and partly brought to life by imagination. Wind-carved ridges, dark gravel plains, and jagged rock formations tell the story of geological time. As we explored the terrain, we used not only our senses but also our creativity to interpret every corner of Dunhuang’s unique natural beauty.

Conclusion

Dunhuang, a beacon of civilization nestled in the golden sands, shares with us the legacy of the Silk Road through its rich history and magnificent art. From Han dynasty bamboo slips at Xuanquan Post to the soaring figures in the Mogao Grottoes, from weathered ruins at Yangguan to meaningful academic exchanges at the Dunhuang Academy, we weren’t just observing history — we were engaging with a living narrative of cultural fusion.

The Silk Road was never just a trade route. It is and will remain a bridge of wisdom, belief, and creativity between East and West. It allowed diverse cultures to flourish through dialogue, and it continues to inspire collaboration across borders.

Today, as we look back at Dunhuang, the spirit of the Silk Road still shines bright, open, inclusive, and forward-looking. It reminds us that civilization thrives on exchange and mutual learning. As members of this new generation, we carry the responsibility to continue this story; to give ancient cultural codes new meaning, and to contribute to a shared future for all of humanity.

A thousand years on the Silk Road, and the journey continues.
Dunhuang, ever-changing and full of promise.