The ancient gate tower of Dunhuang is seen en route to the Northwestern Chinese city on Sept 18, 2016. The first Silk Road International Culture Expo will be held in the city from Sept 20 to 21. [Photo/IC]

The first Silk Road International Culture Expo will open in Dunhuang, Northwest China's Gansu province, on Tuesday, and run until Sept 21.

Over 8,500 rare items from over 60 countries will be displayed at the expo, including masterpieces by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, French painter Eugene Delacroix and influential Chinese painter Qi Baishi, among many others.

As an important stop along the ancient Silk Road connecting China and the outside world, Dunhuang is widely known for the Moga Caves - a World Heritage Site.

Now the city has been spruced up and rejuvenated by the local government to welcome visitors worldwide.