The Mogao Grottoes, an art performance and a lecture featuring the ancient history of Dunhuang in Northwest China's Gansu province drew a delegation closer to Silk Road culture during their tour from Sept 1-2.

"I'd heard a lot about Dunhuang before, but it was mind-blowing to see everything here myself," said Mellat Dilnar from Kazakhstan's Alma-Ata.

"It's incredible that those ancient heritages are perfectly protected now, and research about them so profound," the 28-year-old added.

Dilnar is studying comparative literature and cross-culture in Beijing at the moment. She said the visit helped her to better understand Chinese culture and cast some light on the connections between China and her country long ago.

"I've found certain Kazakh elements in the Dunhuang culture," Dilnar says.

Dilnar is one member of the delegation that includes foreign students, a Chinese think tank and multinational company representatives.

The ancient Silk Road tour was initiated by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and is aimed at promoting trade and cultural exchange.

The tour kicked off in Beijing and continues until Sept 29. It will cover nine places in seven countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Poland, the Czech Republic, France and the Netherlands.

Business talks, youth forums, cultural exhibitions and sport exchanges are to be staged during the tour.

Gansu is the third leg of the tour's China visit, following Beijing and Inner Mongolia autonomous region.