Embarking on the Silk Road with Colorful Cultures

During the early Ming dynasty, explorers managed to voyage westward seven times. Unlike the ancient voyage over 600 years ago, today’s New Silk Road is for trade expanding. It is about exploration, cooperation, as well as economic and cultural renaissance.

From Europe to Asia, from agriculture to emerging industry, 2017 Silk Road International Exposition spurred a new era for the opportunity and development of the whole world.

Serbia

“Folk dance from Serbia, bring you the rhythm of heartbeat.” As the guest country of honor, what Serbia wants to convey through the enthusiastic Kolo Dance is the appreciation of China.

More than half of the delegate came from Kragujevac, the “sister city” of Xi’an, which makes the expo an inspiring and intriguing one for them. “We’re small town and big city who are both filled with rich culture remaining to be explored,” said Nikola Paunovic, Head of Agriculture Department of Kragujevac.

To achieve this, Natasa Pesic Radosavljevic, Head of City Administration, generated the idea of putting the element of Chinese Dragon into a capital investment in Kragujevaic. “Through the Silk Road, we want to bring the Chinese fun to Europe.”

Africa

Djembe, crocodile skin shoes, coral necklace... Africans came with the advanced industry of handicrafts.

“I want people to know that our long history of home-made products is credit to your appreciation of folk art,” said Eddy, a Cameroonian merchant, who came here with his little sister. Inherited from generation to generation, in Africa, most handicrafts are family business. “This guy comes from Uganda with his son. And that is Somari. She came to Xi’an with her nephew.” Eddy went on with gentle smoothness.

According to Eddy, there’re more than 7000 Chinese doing business in Cameroon every year. For him, to sell products is also to convey the culture. “They come. They see. And they know all the truth about Africa.”

“And the same thing goes with our coming to China. What inspired me most is to see how Chinese build such a marvelous event for a short time. It’s a very good example for us to follow, and to tell the whole Africa when we come back.”

What Eddy also mentioned is the core of the Belt and Road. “Just the concept is not sufficient, and the content is important. That’s the true meaning of this Expo－to make the concept of the Belt and Road a reality.”

Australia

For the first time, Australia was invited as a guest country to the Silk Road International Exposition. After Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Australia in March, the Government of Northern Territory prepared the 2017 Australia China “Road & Belt” Cooperation and Development Seminar.

Aiming at enhancing the cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the seminar is scheduled for October, 2017. Northern Territory, the Australia’s nearest region to China, will invite countries along the Belt and Road to negotiate business in the fields of agriculture, energy, medicine, manufacture, tourism and mining industry.

“We set this for people to get a better understanding about Australia. Meanwhile, let Australians to know more about the world. Understanding at the very beginning is the key to making the Belt and Road function.”

Brazil

“They’re all made by ourselves,” proudly pointing at her dress, Amanda, a Brazilian Samba Dancer, said with rejoice. They designed, tailored, and picked jewelry for the dress on their own. “As for Samba dancer, the performance is not just about the dance itself, but also about their appearance and soul.”

“I went to Kunming, Guangzhou, Shanghai...” memorized Tauana, another dancer in the Brazilian delegate. “I’m surprised at how different and same that Chinese can be. Every country got its own style, but people are always so friendly and passionate. I came here to bring happiness, but apparently you give me back more.”

“Sumba is about happiness. I’m not familiar with the Belt and Road, but if it’s about bringing happiness, then it must have a promising future.”

Pakistan

“These jade green vessels and ornaments are from Peshawar, the oldest city in Pakistan,” said Raja, a Pakistani merchant, “Lowest price with highest quality is what we stand for.”

For this time, Pakistan’s products vary from woolen coats, jade gadgets, to wooden furniture. “It’s great to see people from afar sell diverse products. It will not happen without the framework of the Belt and Road.” he suggested, “And the Silk Road is gradually developing, which means, there’ll be more cooperation and communication among international enterprises, and that is a credit to our old friend－China.”

Iran

Having embarked upon the new journey to Xi’an with her son, Ava presents an image of new woman in Iran. “He has to come with me, since my husband has gone to another exhibition. And it is just how it works in Iran.”

Coming from the largest carpet importer of China, Ava travelled to this ancient city several times. The burden of arranging everything on her own gradually faded away, what has been left is the ecstasy of introducing local culture to the world.

“It’s not just a piece of fabric for people to walk on, but also a carrier for tradition to pass on. Only the business makes the culture long lasting,” said Ava, with his little son, Amir Ali, sitting on the carpet and looking at her with wonder.

Gently touching his forehead, Eva added: “Produce it, deliver it, and show it to the international customers. I’d like to do it over and over again. Anytime.”

Nepal

Adjacent to Tibet, Nepal serves as China’s gateway to South Asia. In December, 2014, Nepal’s official participation in the New Silk Road marks the outset of an overland penetration between East and South Asia.

Tangka, historically influenced by Tibetan in Nepal dating back to 14th century, plays an indispensable role in Nepal’s exhibition. “Mandala Buddha tangka, Shakyamuni Buddha tangka...There’re all diverse,” Bhai, a handicraft trader from Nepal, earnestly illustrated the details of Tangka.

Having worked at Thamel, the center of the tourist industry in Kathmandu, Bhai fancied by the international commerce in the exposition. “I choose to be here, I choose to see more, and meet people who just feel the same as me.”

“The Belt and Road will tremendously expand our trade horizon, and diversity always makes people progress.”