Annual artist visit to Dunhuang

Thirteen artists from Hong Kong and Macao enjoyed a 10-day visit to Dunhuang in Gansu province in late October.

They visited popular destinations including the Mogao Caves, the remnants of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) Great Wall at Yumenguan Pass, Mingsha Mountain and Yadan National Geological Park. Their visit allowed them to experience the culture and history of Dunhuang, an important historic city and cultural meting pot on the ancient Silk Road.

The trip was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Dunhuang Academy and several other cultural institutions. Every year, the ministry invites artists to visit cities along the ancient Silk Road to create art. It is the first time artists from Hong Kong and Macao have been invited.

Three of the days were spent making art, including paintings, installations, photos and new media presentations.

Guan Hongtao, a young artist from Macao, said that it was his first visit to Dunhuang and that he hoped that through the work he made, people in Macao would be able to learn more about the nation's natural and cultural beauty.