An exhibition of contemporary artworks focusing on China's Silk Road culture began Thursday in Beijing.

A total of 86 pieces of art from 66 artists living and working in Kashgar, Urumqi, Dunhuang, Lanzhou and Xi'an along China's Silk Road are on show. The artworks include canvases, traditional Chinese paintings and engravings.

The artists include professional painters, artists from local cultural centers, researchers specializing in ancient grotto studies, professors from art institutions, local farmers and herdsmen.

(People's Daily October 31, 2003)