By Shi Ling, People’s Daily
The three-hare symbol – depicting three hares chasing each other in an eternal circle, each sharing an ear with the next to create a tripartite symmetry – has captivated the imagination of historians and artists across civilizations.
This visually striking symbol appears not only in the ancient murals of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu province, but also on metalwork in Afghanistan, ceramics in Egypt, and tile paintings in the United Kingdom.
Its recent prominence at the fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations sparked strong resonance among international participants.
Born in ancient Dunhuang, the three hares silently witness the vibrant cultural and commercial exchanges that flourished along the Silk Road. Today, the symbol continues to inspire new narratives of cross-cultural dialogue.
From the Digital Dunhuang platform to international art exhibitions, from exported conservation techniques to the expanding field of Dunhuang studies worldwide, more and more people contribute to preserving this cultural treasure. These efforts continuously revitalize Dunhuang’s heritage in the modern era.
The three-hare symbol,exemplifies Dunhuang’s role in historical cultural integration. Greco-Roman Ionic columns alongside Gandhara/Gupta influenced murals in the Mogao Grottoes demonstrate China’s historical openness. Manuscripts recording Persia, Sogdiana, India, and other distant regions provide tangible evidence of peaceful Silk Road exchange.
As a crossroads of civilizations, Dunhuang embodies Chinese culture’s inclusive spirit. From the bustling caravans of the past to today’s expanding cultural exchanges, the long-running Dunhuang story continues, illuminating the enduring spirit of Chinese civilization.
As the ancient paths give way to modern corridors, this legacy gains renewed vitality. The soft jingle of camel bells has given way to the rumble of high-speed trains; sailing ships have been replaced by container vessels; and an aerial Silk Road now connects distant lands through trade and cooperation. China has joined hands with over 150 Belt and Road partner countries, breathing new life into the ancient trade route.
China’s diplomatic philosophy, grounded in the belief that “unity brings strength, while isolation leads to weakness,” advocates for mutual benefit, trust, harmony, and good neighborliness. It reflects a commitment to common development and shared prosperity.
True cultural prosperity emerges through exchanges and mutual appreciation. While the three-hare symbol appears in different countries with a common structure, each version presents its own artistic interpretation. On the ceiling of Cave 407 of Mogao Grottoes, the hares are surrounded by flying apsaras and lotus flowers, brimming with vitality and elegance. In the stained-glass windows of Germany’s Paderborn Cathedral, they take on the distinctive forms of Gothic art. These cultural variations highlight how exchanges foster both preservation and reinvention.
As humanity faces shared challenges and aspirations, culture understanding plays a crucial role in guiding development and sustaining peace. Dialogue among civilizations is more essential than ever.
And the three-hare symbol is not alone. Over 2,000 years ago, following the groundbreaking westward journey of royal emissary Zhang Qian in China’s Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD), the pomegranate was introduced to China. Today, six pomegranate trees flourish in the China-Central Asia Friendship Forest in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi province, a living symbol of solidarity and mutual growth.
History brings hearts closer, and cultural inheritance strengthens cooperation. May the music of the Silk Road continue to echo across generations, the tree of friendship remain evergreen, the flowers of civilization bloom in harmony, and the fruits of shared progress be enjoyed by all.
Photo shows a three-hare symbol found at the Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu province.
Photo shows an Iranian tray featuring a three-hare symbol.
Photo shows a clock adorned with a three-hare symbol in a church in Kassel, Hesse, Germany.
(Photos from the WeChat official account of the Dunhuang Academy)
