With excitement over a fresh innovation and technological breakthrough, the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has successfully launched a Pop-Up Book on the Belt and Road Initiative, also known as The Silk Road.

The ceremony, which took place in Dunhuang International Hotel, Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, China, was hosted by Chinese Association for International Understanding and jointly organized by the Contemporary World Press and Contemporary Arts and Culture (Beijing) Cultural Exchange Co. Ltd.

It brought together media professionals and executives, African Think Tanks comprising members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), politicians and cultural enthusiasts from across the world.

The book launch was part of the programmes marking the 4th dialogue on Exchange and Mutual Learning among Civilizations and the Parallel Forum on Civilizational Reconstruction and Renewal in the Age of artificial Intelligence.

A single volume book, the Silk Road Pop-Up Book featured an integration of history and modern technology to promote global digital innovation.

Packaged in 18 pages of nine double-page spread, the book, colourfully embellished with pictures and illustrations, has the unfolded dimensions’ size of 4470mm wide and 310mm height.

The Pop-Up Book tells a story of the ancient trade route that began in China and connected Asia, Europe and Africa and which establishment greatly facilitated the exchange and integration of economies, cultures, science and technology, religions and languages between the East and the Western parts of the world.

“The Silk Road” is an original pop-up book centred on this historic route, using key cities along the Silk Road as focal points to illustrate how cultural exchange and integration among various regions and peoples positively influenced the progress of world civilization”, the organizers said.

The book equally highlights the pioneering spirit of those, who spread culture as well as the profound significance of exchange, mutual learning and collective advancement among the countries and regions along the silk route.

The beauty of the book however includes an audio pen that provides translations and voice dialogues in all six official United Nations languages. By tapping the pen on different language buttons, users can instantly switch between languages at any time.

“The mysterious beauty of this vast region is truly captivating. The many states of the Western Regions flourished with the rise of the Silk Road and faded as it declined. Let us follow in the footsteps of Zhang Qian and Xuanzang, experience the interplay of color and light, and witness the blend of ancient and modern times”, the book read.

According to the moderator of the session and host, Financial Programme Centre, China Central Television, Zhou Yun, the book “shows the great tradition of the Chinese people.”

He stressed that it was not just a book of the brain but that which also showcases Chinese craftsmanship.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today, we are gathered here to continue our exchanges on civilization that is going to build a fair and justice world.

“The Silk Road originated in ancient China but exchanges of economy, culture and technology have benefited the regions around the world. The Belt and Road Initiative also comes from China but the opportunities and achievements belong to the world. This is a contribution of Chinese wisdom”, Yun added.

In his remarks, the Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief, Contemporary World Press, Mr. Li Shuangwu, described the book as more than a traditional publication.

He noted that the project was empowered by digital technologies, transforming flat pages into an immersive 3D experience and bearing testimony to the innovative development of traditional culture.

“Available in six languages – Chinese, English, French, Russian, Arabic and Spanish, the book highlights 15 representative post stations along the ancient Silk Road.”

Shuangwu further described the book as “a gift to the world”, and designed to foster mutual understanding as well as encourage participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Citing a Chinese proverb that says: ‘Read 10,000 books and travel 10,000 miles’, the Editor-in-Chief canvassed cultural dialogue through the global release of the book.

Also, the Chairman, Fuzhou Hollo Cultural and Creative Co. Ltd, Mr. Lin Bingyang, who was a pioneer in Chinese Pop-Up Books, described Dunhuang District as a symbolic site for blend of civilizations.

He said: “This project is not merely about echoing the Silk Road but also constructing a timeless dialogue among civilisations.”

He noted that the eight-meter long 3D Pop-Up book brought to life, the whispers of camel bells, monks and artists from the ancient Silk Road.

“The book took nine years to create and features culturally distinct narratives in multiple languages beyond direct translations. We are reinvigorating the Silk Road spirit and inviting the world to experience it in 3D,” Lin added.

The Secretary, CPC Committee of Yangzhou University, Mr. Ding Jianning, noted that the Silk Road’s influence has transcended time and space and has continued to connect East and West while leaving a profound mark on civilisations.

“The future of the Silk Road lies in innovation”, he added.