The ancient silk routes were not for trade only, they boosted the flow of knowledge as well. 

Through these routes, Chinese silk, porcelain, lacquerwork, and ironware were shipped to the West, while pepper, flax, spices, grape, and pomegranate entered China. 

Through these routes, Buddhism, Islam, and Arab astronomy, calendar and medicine found their way to China, while China's four great inventions and silkworm breeding spread to other parts of the world. More importantly, the exchange of goods and know-how spurred new ideas. 

For example, Buddhism originated in India, blossomed in China, and was enriched in Southeast Asia. Confucianism, which was born in China, gained appreciation by European thinkers such as Leibniz and Voltaire. Herein lies the appeal of mutual learning.

Twenty museums along the Silk Road are invited, each presenting one object and telling a fascinating story behind.