Briefing

The Association for Trans-Eurasia Exchange and Silk Road Civilizations Development (ATES) held its first workshop on "Silk Road Networks and Towns" on 17 June 2023 in Xining, Qinghai. The workshop was co-hosted by ATES, Lanzhou University, and Qinghai Normal University, and co-organized by the Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability (APSS) of Qinghai Normal University, the School of History and Culture of Lanzhou University, and the School of History of Qinghai Normal University. The meeting was attended by over 30 scientists and historians from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research (ITP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources/CAS, Lanzhou University, Shaanxi Normal University, Xinjiang University, Qinghai Normal University, Qinghai Nationalities University, Gansu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Gansu Provincial Library, and others.

Professor YANG Hongwei, Dean of the School of History and Culture of Lanzhou University chaired the opening ceremony. Professor CHEN Fahu, Director of ITPCAS and Chair of ATES, and Professor CHEN Wei, Dean of the School of History of Qinghai Normal University and former President of the Qinghai Academy of Social Sciences, delivered the welcome speeches. Prof. CHEN Fahu underlined the importance of interdisciplinary, cross-regional scientific cooperation, and communication on science and humanity via the ATES platform in order to foster the high-quality, green and peaceful development of the new Silk Road. Prof. CHEN Wei reviewed the development, advantages and potential of historiographical study at Qinghai Normal University, and expressed his expectation to revitalize the ancient Silk Road.

The excellent talks and active discussion focused on key issues such as the historical changes of towns and passages along the Silk Road and the driving forces, the origins and transmission paths of ancient civilizations along the Silk Road, the prehistoric trans-Eurasia culture exchange, and the application of new methods/tools of observation and modeling to further explore the research on environmental changes and the evolution of towns and passages along the Silk Road. At the closing session, the Director of the ATES Secretariat, Prof. Ailikun talked about tasks and the future work plan of ATES, and YANG Hongwei wrapped up the meeting. This workshop has provided an excellent chance for specialists and young scholars to exchange ideas and shared new perspectives and directions for future studies on Silk Road towns and networks.