Of course, all these routes are categorized under the Silk Road for a simple reason, that silk was one of the main items traded between China and other countries in ancient times, and it has long been treasured by the western world. Macclesfield – a market town in the UK – is renowned for its silk industry. For over 400 years, locals made their living in the sector until its decline in the late 19th century. Now, the town is trying to bring its silk roots back, using its links with China. Our reporter Xi Jia is there to tell us more.

The Silk Museum, the silk bar, Silk FM. Even the local football team is called the Silkmen.

It seems there are endless references to silk in this small town. 400 years ago, Macclesfield became famous for its silk production and at one point was the world's largest producer of finished silk.

HILDA GADDUM FORMER COUNCILLOR "The water is very soft in this area, and originally when the silk came to Macclesfield it was for silk buttons, because they were expensive decorations that days."

The Gaddum family has a history in the silk trade dating back to the Victorian era. For more than 150 years, they traded silk.

British silk eventually became expensive compared to other countries like China that had a lower labor cost. Now, vacant mills outnumber those still in operation.

Among them is Ron Smart's company. They use traditional and modern techniques to gain an edge on the competition.

When speaking of the influence of China's Belt and Road initiative, Smart says the initiative will surely help regenerate the town and the silk industry.

RON SMART, MANAGER RA SMART SILK COMPANY "China is such a large market, you have to be part of it, it's not a market that you can ignore."

Graham Barrow, a former Macclesfield heritage and tourism consultant, is also playing a role in reshaping the town under the Belt and Road framework. Insisting that Macclesfield is the western end of the ancient Silk Road while Xi'an is the eastern end, Graham is eager to help establish close ties between Macclesfield and Xi'an."

GRAHAM BARROW TOURISM/HERITAGE CONSULTANT "It's coincided with President Xi's OBOR initiative, it all makes sense. And we have managed to make two visits there with groups from Macclesfield to Xi'an."

XI JIA MACCLESFIELD "The Belt and Road Initiative will be an unmissable opportunity for this past silk town to be reshaped and regenerated, thriving as the real western end of China's ancient Silk Road. Xi Jia, CGTN, Macclesfield, UK."