From ancient Buddhist texts and pottery figures to wooden and bamboo clips carved with characters and bricks with relief patterns, the objects celebrate the historical glory of Gansu as a vital passageway of the ancient Silk Road and a place of strategic importance, prompting exchanges between East and West.

The exhibition is divided into two parts held on separate floors at the NAMOC — the third floor displays artifacts and paintings of modern artists' replicas inspired by Dunhuang murals found in the grottoes and Buddhist figurines until June 3; the fifth floor is dedicated to Buddhist sutras, writings and historical documents on paper, cotton, bamboo and wooden clips, reflecting the early development of Chinese characters and calligraphy on show until Aug 17.