According to Shu, the golden bridge dedicated to Kazakhstan is designed to take the form of a famous Kazakh bridge.

"The golden bridges could be constructed in different nations, and take the form of their representative bridges, with the core value of the artwork unaffected, indicating tolerance and openness," Shu says.

As the fifth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative approaches, Shu feels that Kazakhstan, where the initiative was first put forward by President Xi Jinping in 2013, is an appropriate location to establish the artwork.

Asset Issekeshev, mayor of Astana, says the square will showcase the unique charm of Kazakhstan to the whole world and represent the active participation of Kazakhstan in the initiative.

Within the complex to be built on the square is a Golden Bridge on Silk Road Cultural Center, an interactive platform serving Shu's ultimate purpose of cultural exchange.

"I feel that art, as a universal language and a higher-level pursuit of human beings, could serve as an effective means in breaking cultural barriers. I do hope the project can help me to realize this goal," Shu says.