The Ministry of Culture has just released its plan for an upcoming expo in Gansu province.

The first Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, which will open on Sept 20, will include summits, performances, youth exchange programs and forums to promote dialogue among countries along the ancient trade route.

The two-day expo, which is being jointly promoted by several ministries, is expected to attract visitors from more than 50 countries, with France being the event's guest country.

About 1,500 delegates, including at least 16 ministers or vice-minister level officials from abroad, are expected to attend the event.

Dunhuang, which is a key point on the ancient Silk Road, is expected to hold the expo annually.