Tourist town gets major boost with global event

The wind blows away the clouds in a small city in Dunhuang in Northwest China's Gansu province, but it can't douse the passion of visitors swarming into three giant-tower-like buildings looking over rows of dunes, where the first Silk Road Dunhuang International Cultural Expo - the biggest cultural feast in this tourist city of less than 200,000 residents - is being held.

Long lines can be seen outside the entrance to the international exhibition space.

More than 60 countries and regions connected with the ancient Silk Road are presenting their art and cultural shows in the western wing of the three-tower complex, abou the size of an airport.