From November 14^th-15^th, Renmin University hosted a unique forum on the so-called “Oriental Renaissance” that looked at “Cultures along the Central Asian and Maritime Silk Road.” Guests in attendance included Chinese officials and scholars as well as foreign experts from Russia, France, England and Germany. The event was jointly hosted by RUC’s School of Arts, the Renaissance Research Center, as well as Renmin’s Schools of Literature, History, Philosophy, and National Studies. The One Belt One Road initiative introduced by President Xi Jinping in 2013 has brought different cultures along the ancient and the 21^st century maritime Silk Roads into focus, raising questions for historians, archeologists, and art historians alike, and stirring academic discussion on the international stage. Presiding over the forum’s opening ceremony, held at Renmin University’s Mozart Hall, was the well-known Chinese painter and professor at RUC DING Fang, who through his work has been advocating a return to humanity’s spiritual roots and the search for ultimate meaning, a message he regards as vital for contemporary China. The event was covered by more than 20 Chinese news providers.