Afghan relics exhibited in China's renowned grottoes

More than 200 cultural heritage items from Afghanistan are on display in the renowned Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province.

The exhibition features delicate gold ornaments, sculpture and glassware, from Afghan history between the third century B.C. and the first century A.D., according to the display organizers.

With a history of more than 5,000 years, Afghanistan played an important role in cultural exchange and trade on the ancient Silk Road, according to Wang Xudong, head of Dunhuang Academy.

It shares similarities with Dunhuang, a hub for cultural communication between China and the West, Wang said.

The Dunhuang Academy co-organized the event along with the National Museum of Afghanistan and the Afghan government.

It was the second time for the Afghan relics to be exhibited in China.

The show opened on Thursday and will end on Oct. 20.