Artificial intelligence is breathing new life into ancient relics from China and Central Asia, reviving the enduring spirit of the Silk Road. As relations between China and Central Asian countries enter a new era, cultural exchange is at the forefront of this renewed partnership.
The recent China-Central Asia Summits, first in Xi’an in May 2023 and then in Astana in June, have deepened cooperation and friendship. Against this backdrop, historical treasures like China’s galloping bronze horse and Kazakhstan’s iconic “Golden Man” are telling their stories once more, thanks to cutting-edge AI technology.
In the “When Relics Speak” series by CGTN, artificial intelligence brings to life artifacts such as the Balbals of Kyrgyzstan, the vibrant murals of Panjakent in Tajikistan, a sphinx-shaped neck pendant unearthed by a China-Uzbekistan archaeological team in Uzbekistan, and rhytons discovered in both Turkmenistan’s UNESCO-listed Old Nisa and China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
These digital revivals retrace the origins of the relics, recount their journeys, and highlight the enduring values of the Silk Road: peace, cooperation, openness, and mutual learning. But beyond technology, it’s the spirit of people-to-people exchanges that truly gives voice to these silent relics.
The ancient Silk Road was more than a trade route; it was a conduit for cultural exchange between China and Central Asia. Today, initiatives like the Belt and Road are infusing new energy into these centuries-old bonds, fostering friendship and understanding across generations.
Guided by mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, and mutual assistance, the cultural dialogue between China and Central Asia continues to flourish. As cooperation deepens, these relics will keep telling new stories, echoing the voices of the past and building a brighter future together.
