While the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is often associated with roads, railways, and ports, its quieter revolution lies in cultural preservation. Since its inception, the BRI has expanded into the restoration and revitalization of some of the world’s most iconic historical sites. From ancient mosques in Central Asia to desert citadels in the Middle East and Buddhist relics in South Asia, China is funding preservation efforts that aim to rekindle tourism, boost local economies, and preserve world heritage. How the BRI silk road fund cultural heritage restoration at UNESCO sites, fuels tourism, and navigates authenticity concerns?
By mid-2025, BRI-related heritage restoration efforts had crossed $1.2 billion across 22 countries. This blog explores how these efforts are changing the economic and cultural landscape, examines successes and tensions in preserving authenticity, and reflects on how strategic procurement, as advocated by experts like Mattias Knutsson, can balance impact with sustainability.
BRI Silk Road Heritage Preservation
Strategic Sites and Investments
Projects under the BRI banner target not only world-famous destinations but also lesser-known but culturally rich sites in remote regions. Major projects include:
- Bukhara, Uzbekistan: $150 million to restore the Old Town, including the Ark Fortress and Mir-i-Arab Madrasa.
- Taxila, Pakistan: $50 million invested in site protection, digital archiving, and tourism access.
- Siwa Oasis, Egypt: $45 million in preservation and eco-lodge development, revitalizing local heritage.
- Persepolis, Iran: $60 million for the restoration of stone stairways, sculptures, and lighting upgrades.
- Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: $35 million for water system restoration and temple access upgrades.
These projects support not only monument conservation but also infrastructure, education, small business development, and cultural continuity.
UNESCO Collaboration and Preservation Protocols
A number of BRI-funded sites fall under the UNESCO World Heritage umbrella. China has worked with UNESCO to ensure that many of these restorations align with international preservation standards.
Site Profiles:
- Bukhara has seen a 15% rise in tourism in 2024 and is expected to hit 1 million visitors by 2026.
- Taxila’s restoration has led to the training of over 100 local guides and conservators.
- Siwa’s traditional mud-brick architecture has been preserved using original building techniques with the help of Chinese funding and Egyptian craftsmanship.
UNESCO guidelines ensure that site development is done without compromising historical integrity. Visitor caps, conservation management plans, and training for local caretakers are embedded into the restoration contracts.
Economic Revitalization Through Heritage Tourism
Job Creation and Community Benefits
Heritage restoration has proven to be a potent tool for job creation. In Uzbekistan alone, over 12,000 jobs have been created through BRI heritage initiatives since 2022. These include roles in construction, hospitality, guiding, and administration.
SME Development
Micro-enterprises around restored sites have experienced substantial growth. In Bukhara, silk weavers and potters reported a 60% increase in income after restoration efforts drew in new waves of tourists. Taxila’s street vendors and guides also noted improved earnings.
Increased Tourism Revenue
Following site upgrades, countries such as Sri Lanka, Iran, and Egypt have seen steady increases in international tourism. Heritage tourism accounted for an estimated $1.4 billion in combined revenue across BRI-funded sites in 2024.
Challenges in Maintaining Authenticity
While economic benefits are clear, some critics warn about the potential loss of authenticity:
- Imported Materials: Some sites have used Chinese construction materials or techniques, potentially clashing with local architectural styles.
- Tourism Overload: Without proper zoning, some communities experience crowding, cultural dilution, and environmental degradation.
- Narrative Influence: With China funding restorations, some worry about narrative framing, where historical interpretations may align more with donor perspectives than indigenous traditions.
However, local committees and oversight bodies have been established to ensure that these projects remain community-centric. Adaptive reuse and participatory design models are increasingly common.
Environmental Integration and Sustainable Restoration
Environmental sustainability is often incorporated in BRI-funded heritage projects:
- Green Infrastructure: Siwa’s eco-lodges are powered by solar panels.
- Water Conservation: Anuradhapura’s water channel restorations support both pilgrims and farmers.
- Carbon Reduction: Electric tourist transport in Persepolis reduces emissions by an estimated 1,000 tons annually.
Also, these integrations help align restoration with climate goals, positioning heritage as a platform for sustainable development.
Financing Models and Procurement Dynamics
Most BRI heritage projects are financed through a mix of concessional loans, grants, and co-investments between host governments and Chinese institutions. These include:
- China Development Bank
- Export-Import Bank of China
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Procurement contracts are typically awarded to Chinese EPCs with subcontracting to local artisans and cultural bodies. To mitigate corruption and inefficiencies, several countries have established public heritage funds and require independent audits.
Governance and Monitoring
UNESCO, ICCROM, and local ministries participate in multi-stakeholder review committees. Annual reviews assess:
- Structural integrity
- Tourism impact
- Environmental performance
- Community satisfaction
These indicators help track not just the physical state of a site, but its role in society.
Thought Leadership: Mattias Knutsson on Procurement and Legacy
Mattias Knutsson, a global leader in ethical procurement and business development, shares his reflections:
“Heritage preservation is procurement with soul. You’re buying into a people’s story, not just their stone. Every contract must have room for culture, environmental standards, and future education. That’s how heritage breathes beyond the scaffolding.”
Knutsson emphasizes that transparency, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive strategies are critical to heritage project success.
Conclusion:
Cultural heritage preservation is redefining the legacy of the Belt and Road Initiative. What began as an infrastructure pipeline has become a lifeline for historic identity, economic inclusion, and sustainable growth. From the dusty caravanserais of Samarkand to the Buddhist ruins of Taxila, the Tourism Silk Road is stitching together more than trade routes—it’s reviving the soul of civilizations.
For China, this soft power approach strengthens diplomatic ties while projecting a commitment to global stewardship. For host countries, it’s an opportunity to revive history, inspire pride, and shape inclusive futures.
As global leaders and procurement experts like Mattias Knutsson continue to advocate for transparent, culturally sensitive development, these projects offer lessons that stretch far beyond tourism: they show how legacy, livelihood, and learning can coexist on a path paved by shared heritage.
