Dunhuang, in the northwest of the Chinese mainland's Gansu Province, stands as a living link between ancient civilizations and today’s global leaders.
Before mayors from across continents came together for the Global Mayors Dialogue, CGTN’s Yang Xinmeng set out to uncover why this desert city still resonates with the world.
Under the ochre glow of the Mingsha Mountains, golden dunes stretch to the horizon, inviting reflection and connection. Nearby, the Mogao Grottoes—home to centuries-old murals—reveal stories of traders, pilgrims, and artists who once traveled here on the Silk Road.
Today, Dunhuang’s vast desert and sacred caves do more than preserve history: they spark conversations. Mayors passing through its sands share ideas on sustainable urban planning, cultural preservation, and community resilience—proof that some routes are built not for commerce but for collective memory.
In a world shaped by data and digital networks, Dunhuang reminds us that human stories remain our strongest connectors. As the Global Mayors Dialogue unfolds, this desert gem offers a timeless lesson: when cities converse through sand, they discover what unites us all.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
