The first Silk Road International Cultural Expo has kicked off in Dunhuang city of China's Gansu Province.

To highlight its importance, Chinese President Xi Jinping even delivered his congratulations to the cultural event, which has a goal of building friendships and making the world a better place. Delegations from 85 countries are attending the expo.

Artists perform in a desert landscape show on the history of Dunhuang in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 20, 2016, as a part of art shows of the first Silk Road International Cultural Expo. (Xinhua/Fan Peishen)

This is the only high-level forum and exhibition platform organized by the Chinese government for cultural exchanges among countries and regions along the ''Belt and Road".

More than 8000 precious cultural heritages from 60 countries are on display. Art performances, including the long-awaited dance drama "Silk Road, Flower Rain," will also be staged.

"The Silk Road straddles Eurasia, and the cultures in the region have influced each other, like the cultures of the four ancient nations, China, Persia, Greece and Rome," said E Jun, president, Gansu Provincial Museum.

The expo is centered on cultural exchanges and cooperation. It carries forward the Silk Road spirit of "peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit".

In the French exhibition hall, many of the displays incorporate Chinese elements, reflecting cultural exchanges between the east and the west.

"The French Embassy worked with us in planning their portion of the expo. They wanted to go with the theme of the expo, so they picked Ryons' silk and other collections from their decorations and art museums. They brought 33 pieces of very high artistic value," said Yan Dong, vice manager, China Arts & Entertainment Group.

Following the principles of negotiation, joint development and sharing, the Dunhuang Declaration will also be drawn up and released. The declaration will be one of the expo's most important objectives.

Artists perform in a desert landscape show on the history of Dunhuang in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 20, 2016, as a part of art shows of the first Silk Road International Cultural Expo. (Xinhua/Fan Peishen)