The Ancient and New Silk Roads: Conduits of Cultural Exchange

Authors

Jian Zhang, Southwest University, Chongqing, ChinaFollow
Dawei Zhong, Southwest University, Chongqing, ChinaFollow

Abstract

The concept of the Silk Road of the past was revived in 2013 with the announcement by China of the Silk Road Economic Zone. The history of trade and cultural exchanges across Eurasian in the past has provided a sound foundation for a study of the cultural significance of the Silk Road then and now.
This study will focus on the cultural and humanistic interactions of the Silk Road arising from regional connectivity in the past and which is now intensified under a diversity of co-operation modalities in recent years. Based on the reference to and insights from scholarly works by Chinese and other researchers, this study will examine the nature of cultural exchanges and their impact along the Silk Road especially within the context of China. Despite its recent revival, the enlightening effects of the multi-faceted cultural exchanges and significance of the New Silk Road are already evident. However, further studies await the attention of scholars from different areas of specialisations to build on a better knowledge and appreciation of the role of the Silk Road not only in promoting development but also to cultural understanding and international peace and stability.

Recommended Citation

Zhang, Jian and Zhong, Dawei (2021) "The Ancient and New Silk Roads: Conduits of Cultural Exchange," Malaysian Journal of Chinese Studies: Vol. 10: No. 2, Article 6.
Available at: https://mjcs.newera.edu.my/journal/vol10/iss2/6