This aerial photo taken on April 25, 2023 shows the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/Xinhua)
Every year, the 18th of April—the United Nations' World Heritage Day—offers humanity a sacred moment to reflect on the precious treasures of our shared past. These monuments, cultural landscapes, and stories carved in stone or written on parchment are not just relics of bygone eras. They are enduring symbols of human ingenuity, courage, and dreams. They remind us where we came from and gently steer us towards where we must go—together.
This year's theme, "Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 years of ICOMOS Actions", is a timely call to action. It reminds us that our global heritage—whether found in temples, caves, palaces, or bustling old markets—is increasingly vulnerable. From the devastating effects of climate change to the heartbreak of war and conflict, the guardians of our global story are under siege. In this moment of global reflection, one nation stands out as a shining example of vision, resilience, and responsibility—China.
As Chairman of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), and Founder of the Silk Road Culture & Innovation Hub, I recently had the profound honor of visiting the historic Gansu Province in China—a land that pulses with the soul of the Silk Road. It was a journey that etched itself deep into my spirit. It wasn't just a trip; it was a homecoming to the roots of civilization. Gansu, with its breathtaking preservation of heritage sites, from the majestic Mogao Caves to the ancient trading city of Dunhuang, is more than a museum of the past—it is a lesson in unity, perseverance, and the promise of peace.
China: a global custodian of heritage
China's approach to preserving its cultural and historical heritage is not only comprehensive, but deeply moral. It goes beyond safeguarding bricks and murals. It is about protecting the soul of a people, the story of a civilization that has thrived for millennia, and ensuring these lessons echo through generations.
Through its remarkable efforts in cultural preservation, China has reminded the world that heritage is not static. It lives, breathes, and teaches. And when preserved with care and purpose, it has the power to guide global development towards a future rooted in respect, cooperation, and peace.
China's restoration of thousands of historical sites is not an act of nostalgia—it is a strategic gesture of global leadership. Through the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), Global Development Initiative (GDI), and Global Security Initiative (GSI), China has placed culture and heritage at the heart of diplomacy. The logic is simple yet profound: when we appreciate one another's history, we are less likely to repeat the conflicts of the past. When we learn from one another's resilience, we build bridges stronger than steel.
And in this vision, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) stands tall. It is more than an economic corridor—it is a cultural highway, echoing the ancient spirit of the Silk Road. It carries not only goods, but also wisdom, art, music, language, and mutual respect. It is a living embodiment of what the world can become when civilizations meet not with hostility, but with hearts open to friendship and learning.
Gansu: a living museum of peace and perseverance
My recent visit to Gansu earlier this month felt like a pilgrimage to the beating heart of the Silk Road. The Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are an extraordinary triumph of humanity. Every brushstroke on those cave walls whispers stories of Buddhist monks, Persian traders, Chinese philosophers, and Central Asian poets. The caves are not only preserved—they are revered.
What moved me most was not just the artwork, but the intention behind its preservation. China has poured its heart and soul into protecting these treasures with international standards, ensuring accessibility for global scholars, tourists, and local communities alike. It is a testament to how heritage preservation is not only about bricks and mortar—it is about values. And China, with the support of its government and its people, has shown the world how it's done.
Equally unforgettable was my time at the Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Lake—natural and cultural wonders where history echoes through the winds. Walking along these golden dunes, I felt connected to every traveler who had once stood there—those who traded silk and spices, those who traded ideas and stories. In the silence of the desert, I heard the loudest message: peace is possible when we build together.
This inspired me to take a step forward in global cultural advocacy. I shared with my team the vision to establish the BRISD Silk Road Culture & Innovation Hub, headquartered with special collaboration from Gansu. This center will serve as an international forum of research, diplomacy, education, and innovation, all inspired by the spirit of the Silk Road. It will celebrate culture not just as an artifact, but as a living force that unites continents and generations.
A reminder to the world: the silk road is love, not just trade
On this World Heritage Day, let Gansu and the Silk Road stand not just as historical concepts but as moral compasses for our divided world. In an age of rising walls and deepening mistrust, China's model offers a blueprint: shared prosperity, not isolated pride. China doesn't just teach its youth about their history—it invites the world to learn alongside them.
And what a lesson it is.
In every heritage site preserved in China, there is evidence of resilience. In every effort to restore an old temple or cave, there is proof of bravery. And in every act of opening its heritage to the world, China sends a message of peace.
Let us remember that the Silk Road was not just a path for trade—it was a path for tolerance, collaboration, and enlightenment. It connected Buddhist pilgrims, Muslim scholars, Christian traders, and thinkers of all races and faiths. It was a bridge across diversity—a symbol of what human civilization can achieve when it chooses dialogue over destruction.
In closing: a tribute to China's role
China's contribution to peace, cultural preservation, and global heritage cannot be overstated. It has invested in cultural diplomacy, promoted South-South cooperation, and upheld the principles of win-win development. Whether through the GCI or BRI, China is telling the world that our shared past must guide our shared future.
Today, as the world honors its heritage, let us also honor those who protect it. Let us celebrate China for lighting a torch not only for its people, but for all of humanity. And let us learn from its enduring lesson—that in unity, there is strength; in heritage, there is wisdom; and in peace, there is prosperity for all.
Happy World Heritage Day 2025!
The author is the Chairman of Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD) and Founder of BRISD's Silk Road Culture & Innovation Hub.
The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of iChongqing and Bridging News.