Luoyang municipal government and Xinhua News Agency jointly organized a fact-finding press trip to the ancient Silk Road linking China with Central Asia and Europe, to answer the country's high-profile "Silk Road Economic Belt" development strategy.

The press corps poses for photo in Longmen Grottoes holding a banner reading "Longmen Grottoes – a shining pearl on the Silk Road", June 16. [Photo/Longmen Grottes on WeChat]

Under the joint auspices of several government bodies, the press trip started in Luoyang in Central China's Henan province on June 16. A famous Luoyang attraction, the Longmen Grottoes played a significant role on the Silk Road as a medium for Buddhist culture.

The press fleet arrives at Longmen Grottoes, an important stop on the Silk Road on June 16. [Photo/Longmen Grottes on WeChat]

The Silk Road used to be a bridge for Eastern and Western cultural exchange, and the communication channel for civilizations and religions worldwide. The Buddhist cave temples in Longmen are important historical and cultural relics.

A journalist interviews an expert in Longmen Grottoes on June 16.[Photo/Longmen Grottes on WeChat]

The Longmen Grottoes, one of the three major grottoes in China, clearly show the trace of the religion's localization in China. The art techniques formed there had great influence on other grottoes in China and East Asia.

A group photo of the press group for the "Silk Road" trip in front of the Virocana Buddha in Longmen Grottoes, June 16. [Photo/Longmen Grottes on WeChat]