Editor's Note:

China and France are both major countries with a time-honored history and great civilizations and key economies at both ends of the Silk Road. Despite being separated by thousands of miles, their interactions date back to the 17th century.

The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. Chinese National Geography, a publication focused on geographic science popularization and a scientific media platform, seized the opportunity and launched a large public welfare communication event titled "Follow the Silk Road to Paris." The expedition team departed from Zhangye, northwest China's Gansu Province, and followed the Silk Road to Paris, France, exploring the diverse landscapes and distinct cultures of the East and West. As a senior editor and director of the brand development department of Chinese National Geography, the author joined and recorded the whole journey. China New Release invited him to share his insights and experiences with our readers.

"The power of culture transcends mountains and seas, leaving a lasting impact on people's hearts," said Alexandre Dubos, a French blogger with a big beard, as he stood beneath the white cliffs of the Bay of the Somme in France, speaking sincerely to the camera. Fluent in Chinese, Dubos became popular in China after appearing on a talk show program attended by foreign guests. After arriving in Paris, the event organizer specially invited him to act as the local "Discovery Ambassador" for the expedition team. In Dubos' eyes, "Follow the Silk Road to Paris" bridged the Eastern and Western civilizations, which held "profound significance."

In fact, in addition to Dubos, all the participants, including the popular Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) influencers "Captain Han's Drifting Record" and "Beihai's Wandering Life," sports champions Zhong Man and Bao Chunlai, and Greenpeace's Antarctic Ambassador Wang Yuheng, were deeply impressed by this journey across seven countries.

"Nothing could be more fascinating than witnessing the history and scenery of the Silk Road, touching the marks of cultural fusion between East and West, and contributing to a new story of traveling along the Silk Road," Feng Shu, a weather reporter from China Central Television (CCTV), wrote on his WeChat moments poetically.

The bus travels through the Colorful Danxia scenic area in Zhangye, northwest China's Gansu Province.

The group of "Discovery Ambassadors" — a blend of sports champions, science influencers, experts and young actors — was dubbed the "Intellectual Male Group" by sponsors like Chinese menswear brand LILANZ and sportswear brand ANTA. Following the northern route of the Silk Road, which was first opened during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the team set off from northwest China's Hexi Corridor, journeying through ancient Central Asian countries, Türkiye, Greece and France. In nearly three months, they visited 13 cities in seven countries, traveling a total distance of almost 20,000 kilometers.