2024 Silk Road Week event opened at the China National Silk Museum on June 19 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

2024 Silk Road Week opening ceremony. Photo provided to ZICC

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the successful transnational inscription of the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. The 2024 Silk Road Week will be held under the theme "Roads Connect, Civilization Blossom". France is invited as the guest country of honor, with Shaanxi province serving as the guest province.

At the opening ceremony, international cooperation memoranda were signed, and the launch of sericulture and silk weaving techniques exhibition and a silk road themed study tour were announced. Additionally, the annual report of 2023 Silk Road cultural heritage was officially released. Compiled by 22 cultural heritage experts from nine countries, the report comprehensively documents, organizes and presents the top 10 lists in four categories for 2023: global archaeological discoveries, exhibitions, academic achievements and cultural events.

Xaiver De La Selle at the opening ceremony. Photo provided to ZICC

During the opening ceremony, Xavier De La Selle, director of the Gadagne Museum in France, remarked that this new collaborative experience will guide us in envisioning new projects over the coming years, continuing to foster exchanges on silk between France and China, and between Lyon and Hangzhou.

Reporter: Zhong Xinyi, Xu Wendi

Intern: Wu Mian

Editor: Zhong Xinyi