The First Silk Road International Cultural Expo will be held in August in Dunhuang city of northwest China's Gansu province, the local government announced on Wednesday.

With China steering a massive project to build infrastructure and increase trade between countries along the route of the ancient Silk Road, the annual event aims to foster understanding and exchanges among people in the region.

It will be hosted by the Gansu government and Chinese cultural bodies.

The first expo will feature a summit for cultural leaders and exhibitions on the history and art of countries along the Silk Road.