In order to help international students better understand China's splendid history and civilization, and perceive the long-standing Silk Road culture, on July 27, the School of International Education of Zhejiang University of Science and Technology and Workshop for Contemporary China organized 12 international students from Russia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Morocco and other countries went to the China National Silk Museum to participate in the Explore China social practice and watch the exhibition "Convergence of civilizations: Dunhuang on the Silk Road".

The exhibition is sponsored by National Cultural Heritage Administration and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, and undertaken by the China National Silk Museum. The exhibition focuses on Dunhuang, the Pearl of the Silk Road. A total of more than 170 cultural relics/groups are exhibited, and more than 30 first-class cultural relics/groups are on display. Under the guidance of the interpreter, the international students visited the exhibition, listened carefully to the stories behind the cultural relics such as portrait bricks, bamboo slips, silk, stone pagodas, scriptures, pottery figurines, etc, got an in-depth understanding of the politics and trade, society and life, spirit and beliefs of ancient Dunhuang, and fully perceived the profound historical heritage and diverse cultural background of ancient Dunhuang.

Savindi Kaushalya Edirisinghe, an international student from Sri Lanka, stood still in front of various historical relics display cabinets. She said enthusiastically, "This exhibition made me have a profound understanding of the prosperity and glory of the ancient Silk Road, and I also learned about Dunhuang on the ancient Silk Road. It has witnessed the exchanges and mutual learning between different countries and regions along the ancient Silk Road." Achraf Abekhar, an international student from Morocco, was deeply moved after listening to the stories of Chang Shuhong, Fan Jinshi and other generations of Mogao Grottoes who went through hardships and guarded Dunhuang.He said: "I am amazed by the dedication of Chinese experts and scholars to protect the cultural heritage of Dunhuang. It is they who have passed on the spirit of the Silk Road from generation to generation."

Afterwards, the international students also visited the Silk Road Hall, Weaving Hall, Splendid Gallery, Fashion Hall and other venues of the China National Silk Museum, learned about the past and present of the Silk Road, appreciated silk fabrics with different techniques in different periods, and felt the weaving technology progress and innovation.

This practical activity is part of the social practice course of "Explore China" ,which is one of the education course of Contemporary China for international students of Zhejiang University of Science and Technology. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the "Belt and Road" initiative. The school will take this opportunity to help international students understand the history and culture of the Silk Road, and understand the Silk Road spirit with the core of "peaceful cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning, mutual benefit and win-win", to encourage international students to tell stories about the Silk Road, and cultivate more "ambassadors" for the international communication of Silk Road culture.