On October 27, 2023, Dunhuang—an iconic city along the Silk Road—welcomed a group of international students from Northwest Normal University. Their immersive trip from October 25 to 27 included camel rides on the Mingsha Mountain, hands-on experiences making traditional mineral pigments at the Mogao Academy, and artistic endeavors inspired by Dunhuang’s famous murals.
Among the participants was Wang Xiaofang, a student from Kazakhstan whose fascination with Chinese culture is rooted in her family background—her grandmother is Chinese. Along with her brother Li An, she embarked on this educational journey, which has deepened their understanding of China. “Visiting Yadan, I felt the power and beauty of nature. At the Yangguan site, our guide explained that it, alongside Yumen Pass, served as a gateway to the Western Regions, a crucial route on the Silk Road. We saw our teacher creating a travel permit right there, and after passing through, we could gaze over the endless desert and exploration of ancient beacon towers—it was fascinating,” Wang shared.
During a hands-on art class at the Mogao Academy, the instructor provided insights into the history, colors, and pigments used in Dunhuang murals. Wang enthusiastically participated, selecting the image of a bouncing lute for her artwork. “It was so enjoyable to color the pattern,” she said. This was her second visit to Dunhuang, and while her knowledge of its historical culture wasn’t extensive, she was captivated by the intricate designs and colors of the murals.
Wang expressed her aspirations: “I want to become a tour guide so that I can explore more areas of China, learn about the differences in landscapes and cultures, and share these experiences with my friends.”
This event gathered 22 students from various countries, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. They explored sites such as the Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain, and Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark, all in pursuit of experiencing Chinese traditional culture firsthand. The goal was to engage the Gen Z students in Central Asia, allowing them to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Dunhuang.
Throughout the trip, students captured their experiences through photos and short videos, sharing their journeys on social media. Li An from Kazakhstan reflected on the profound history of the Dunhuang murals, which date back over a thousand years. “It’s incredibly moving to witness such history. Since coming to China, I’ve learned about the Terracotta Warriors, and now I’m discovering Dunhuang. It’s all very meaningful,” he noted.
Additionally, Pakistani student Wang Hai played traditional music from his homeland, fostering camaraderie through song. He frequently shares aspects of his daily life on social media to bridge cultural gaps between Pakistan and China. “Music knows no borders; it brings us joy,” Wang said, expressing his interest in befriending Chinese musicians he might meet in the future who can play the lute, as he spotted depictions of it in the Mogao murals.
