[Video provided to gogansu.com]

In Wuwei city, Gansu province – where echoes of the Silk Road still linger – 10 international influencers from the United States, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Ukraine, Pakistan, Yemen, and Bangladesh embarked on a journey from July 21 to 23 to uncover the layers of time, tradition, and terrain.

Their paths wound through majestic mountains, vast deserts, and ancient grottoes, each moment weaving a colorful thread into their tapestry of discovery.

The adventure began beneath the Maya Snow Mountain in Tianzhu Tibetan autonomous county.

A bird's-eye view of the Maya Snow Mountain Tent City in Tianzhu Tibetan autonomous county, Wuwei city, Gansu province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Dressed in resplendent Tibetan clothing adorned with intricate designs and bold colors, the influencers embraced the local heritage.

"I love this traditional dress. It's very meaningful to the people here and every aspect of it has something culturally significant," said Gabrielle Chen from the US, tracing the elaborate patterns with admiration.

Guided by skilled locals, they learned to make zanba, a Tibetan staple of roasted barley flour, yak butter, and sugar, sharing laughter and camaraderie.

Later, they joined the spirited Guozhuang dance, a whirl of swirling skirts and rhythmic steps that transcended language.

Wuwei's landscapes defied singular description. In the Binggou River Scenic Area, the delegation trekked through emerald forests and crystal-clear streams, awestruck by nature's harmony.

For US traveler Ghassan Nassar, every step here is a rediscovery of nature's raw power and life's purest essence.

"It's a beautiful retreat to nature, and it's one of my philosophies in life – wherever there is water, there is life; so if you want to reconnect to nature, this is an amazing place," he said at Binggou River Scenic Area.

At the Suwu Desert Scenic Area in Minqin county, endless dunes unfolded before them, punctuated by striking sculptures promoting green living, environmental protection, and humanity's coexistence with nature.

Wuwei's soul resides not only in its land but in the masterpieces shaped by human hands – a cultural legacy waiting to be unearthed.

At the Leitai Han Culture Museum known for the famous Galloping Bronze Horse – a testament to ancient China's artistic brilliance – the influencers marveled at intricate bronze and pottery artifacts whispering tales of a bygone era.

[Video provided to gogansu.com]

In the Tiantishan Grottoes, known as the Liangzhou Grottoes, carved into cliffs over 1,600 years ago, they wandered in front of ancient Buddhist statues, moved by the tranquility and spirit etched into stone.

Brazilian photographer Thales Saque drew a compelling parallel between the giant Buddha statue and Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain, noting that both embody universal themes of love, spiritual improvement, and the shared human impulse to express profound ideas about art, civilization, and emotion through monumental sculpture.

Global influencers experience Tibetan culture in Tianzhu Tibetan autonomous county, Wuwei city, Gansu province on July 21. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wuwei's true magic lingered in quiet moments – the weight of history in their hands, the rich taste of yak butter on their tongues, and the memory of strangers becoming kin.

Somewhere beneath Maya Snow Mountain or before the Tiantishan Grottoes, the Silk Road's whispers still beckon – waiting for the next traveler to listen.