Thanks to a conference, I got a second chance to Dunhuang, Gansu Province several days ago. Twelve years, from my first journey, is a short time in human history, while witnessed dramatic changes of Dunhuang.

In my first journey to Dunhuang, trains only accessed to the Red Willow Park, 100 kilometers away, and then only coaches. When returning, we must take a coach for over 400 kilometers to Jiayu Pass to take a plane. The surrounding highways were potholed and only several inns alongside. While now a well-equipped medium-size airport constructed near the downtown area has been running for years, even and broad roads extend to all directions, service of large or small hotels here and there can be compared to that of star-class ones. Just in view of infrastructures, changes in Dunhuang can amaze the visitors.

The second journey leaves me a deep understanding of the application of inheritance, innovation and green ideas in Dunhuang. Different from the first time, there is a strict limit on the number of visiting people and opening grottoes. Besides, visitors are requested to watch two films about the historical role of Dunhuang on the Silk Roads and the constructing process of Mogao Grottoes, which demonstrate the connotation of Dunhuang and "Belt and Road" Initiative.

At night, we watched two performances, which not only reflect the splendid history of Dunhuang, but also excellently combine multi-stagecraft and outdoor scenes. Vivid visual perception and historical associations spontaneously arising in the performance are another kind of innovation.

Consequently, high speed of development, confirming suitable orientation, deep understanding of history and multi-pronged solution surprise me most in the changing of Dunhuang.

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