China to build heritage route along ancient Silk Road aimed at protecting the cultural essence of the region.
China has unveiled plans to create its first national heritage route along the historically rich Hexi Corridor in northwest China over the next decade. The project aims to bolster the preservation, transmission, and responsible use of the area’s cultural and natural treasures.
The implementation blueprint was announced at a press briefing in Gansu Province, highlighting the route’s significance in national heritage planning.
He Xiaozu, head of Gansu’s culture and tourism department, shared that the province will launch various initiatives covering heritage conservation, infrastructure upgrades, tourism development, and international cooperation. These efforts will involve 52 major cultural and natural heritage sites, as well as 20 national-level intangible cultural heritage projects located along the Hexi Corridor.
An investment of 610 million yuan (around 84.9 million USD) has been committed to carrying out 120 specific development tasks tied to the heritage route.
China has already made considerable progress in heritage protection within the Hexi Corridor, including spending 540 million yuan on more than 110 projects to preserve and maintain sections of the Great Wall.
The Hexi Corridor, a key segment of the ancient Silk Road stretching nearly 1,000 kilometers across Gansu, is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 53 ancient grottoes.
According to Qiu Jian, head of Gansu’s cultural heritage bureau, the heritage route will be developed with minimal interference to safeguard its authenticity and will act as a vital platform for showcasing Chinese cultural achievements and encouraging global cultural dialogue.
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