A cross-cultural exchange activity, Sino-Foreign Cultural and Artistic Dialogue Journey, was held Nov. 22, bringing together over 60 foreigners to explore Nanshan and experience the charm of the open and inclusive international urban district in Shenzhen.

Participants of the Sino-Foreign Cultural and Artistic Dialogue Journey pose for a group photo at the Nanshan Museum on Nov. 22.  Photos courtesy of event organizer

The first stop was the "Dunhuang Splendors: Culture and Art Exhibition of Mogao Grottoes." As the largest and most comprehensive Dunhuang culture exhibition in South China, this exhibition recreated the brilliance and diversity of the Silk Road civilization through multiple forms such as murals, statues, and digital images.

Julia Liu, who is from Ukraine and currently works in Nanshan, was deeply impressed by the exhibition.

An international visitor captures the beauty of a statue at the “Dunhuang Splendors: Culture and Art Exhibition of Mogao Grottoes” at Nanshan Museum.

"The exhibition is really great. The Silk Road is quite amazing— it starts in China, and ends in Egypt, Iran and Türkiye. It is extremely impressive," said Julia. 

She added that events like this help expats in Shenzhen better understand Chinese culture.

For many foreign friends, the Dunhuang exhibition is not only a cultural experience but also a window into understanding China's history and its spirit of openness. Many lingered in front of the displays, trying to grasp the ancient exchange of civilizations through the colors of the murals, the figures, and the narratives they conveyed.

 

A participant takes a selfie with Italian illustrator Lorenzo Ala (R) during the cultural tour at the Nanshan Museum.

Lorenzo Ala, an illustrator from Italy, joined the tour to participate in the "Future Encounter" of Chinese and Italian Artists with Shenzhen in Shekou. He said it was of great significance to participate in the exchange in Shekou.

"It’s a big responsibility for me — as an illustrator, as an artist — to be here and represent the cultural exchange between Italian and Chinese culture. Especially when we talk about sci-fi and futuristic themes, it makes me feel the power of cultural exchange even more."

Participants take photos to document moments from the tour.

He was particularly struck by Shenzhen, describing it as a unique and forward-thinking city that represents innovation and the future. "Coming here, I got the sense that everything moves very fast — and that’s really inspiring for me," said Ala.

Herlon Eckermann da Silva, an entrepreneur from Brazil who has lived in Nanshan for five years, thought Nanshan was becoming more and more international. "It really makes me feel at home," said da Silva. 

Looking ahead to APEC 2026 in Shenzhen, he emphasized its importance. "It’s a major event for the city. Shenzhen is going to gain even more global attention."