Historic Chinese city captures global attention as summit host
* Founded about 3,100 years ago, Xi'an, which is today the capital of China's Shaanxi Province, served as the capital for 13 dynasties in Chinese history. This is also the place where Zhang Qian began his journey to the Western regions via Central Asia during the Western Han Dynasty (around 202 BC-AD 25) with his envoys. This expedition eventually led to the opening of the Silk Road.
* Rich historical sites of Xi'an bear the indelible imprints of China's profound traditional culture and time-honored civilization. The city offers an opportunity for both locals and international visitors to immerse themselves in the ancient splendor that dates back over a thousand years.
* The city's confident and inclusive culture has captivated global interest, evidenced by its hosting of prestigious international events such as the Silk Road International Film Festival, Silk Road International Exposition, and the upcoming China-Central Asia Summit.
XI'AN, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The opening of direct flights last month between northwest China's Xi'an and Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, brought good tidings for Ushurova Sofiya, as the 49-year-old Kazakh woman who lives in Xi'an frequently travels between the two countries.
"During my first trip to Xi'an in 2004, I had to first fly to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and then take a train. It was really a time-consuming journey," recalled Sofiya.
This year Xi'an is hosting the China-Central Asia Summit scheduled on May 18 and 19.
Four direct passenger routes have been launched between Xi'an and Central Asia so far this year, including destinations such as Almaty, Bishkek, Tashkent and Astana. Transportation convenience has attracted an increasing number of foreigners like Sofiya to visit or stay in the ancient Chinese capital.
ANCIENT GLORY
Founded about 3,100 years ago, Xi'an, which is today the capital of China's Shaanxi Province, served as the capital for 13 dynasties in Chinese history. This is also the place where Zhang Qian began his journey to the Western regions via Central Asia during the Western Han Dynasty (around 202 BC-AD 25) with his envoys. This expedition eventually led to the opening of the Silk Road.
During its heyday in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when it was known as Chang'an, the city attracted a significant influx of foreign merchants, envoys, and students from various countries.
Home to a number of world-renowned historical sites, including the Bell Tower and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an evokes a nostalgic reflection of its glorious past. Several modern cultural blocks boasting a blend of shopping, dining and other recreational activities have been built based on historical heritages, which endow the metropolis with a unique charm.
Enthralled by its profound history and time-honored culture, Sofiya made the momentous decision to pursue her career at the School of Law, Xi'an Jiaotong University. With nearly two decades of residency in Xi'an and having married a local, Sofiya has acquired an extensive understanding of the city's notable historical landmarks.
"Xi'an boasts treasures like the Terracotta Warriors, the Bell Tower and the ancient city wall of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). I would like to show around these sites to my family and friends, and tell them the captivating historical tales. It is a vibrant city with rich history and a promising future," Sofiya said.
Xi'an is also hailed as a city of poetry. During the Tang Dynasty, numerous scholars and poets visited the then Chang'an, seeking literary discussions, camaraderie, and poetic indulgence.
Even today, remnants of that era can be found in Xi'an, with place names like Fanchuan and Qujiang, which frequently graced the verses of famous Tang poems.
These historical treasures have also influenced the design of subway stations in Xi'an, seamlessly blending the past and present. Li Qingke, a visitor from Shanghai, aptly remarked, "In Xi'an, the subway becomes a time tunnel, whisking us away to the splendors of ancient times."