Historic Chinese city captures global attention as summit host

Xi'an integrates the style of the ancient capital with modern life, retaining ancient charm and nostalgia, said Shang Ziqin, a famous cultural scholar from Shaanxi.

According to a citizen named Du Yuan, the 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.

MODERN CHARM

Xi'an has admirably maintained and harnessed its rich historical and cultural heritage.

After years of preservation work, the ancient city wall of Xi'an, alongside the surrounding scenic area with lush greenery and clear moat water, has been integrated into the urban life of Xi'an and become a popular recreational and tourism destination.

For 36 years, the city wall has been illuminated by a spectacular lantern festival, which has become a hallmark Spring Festival celebration. Additionally, a variety of other cultural activities, including kite-making and Tang poetry recitals, are regularly held here, helping to preserve and celebrate the rich and vibrant traditions of Chinese culture.

In addition to historical sites, Xi'an has a total of 159 museums, attracting over 30 million people each year. The number of museums with free entry accounts for more than 95 percent. The city has one museum for every 88,200 people on average, placing it among the highest in the country.

Nowadays, people donning traditional Chinese costumes can be spotted on the streets of Xi'an, creating an immersive experience for tourists. As visitors wander through ancient structures, indulge in local delicacies, and witness street performances like acrobatics and lion dances, they are transported back in time to the vibrant streetscape reminiscent of the Tang Dynasty.

Over the past decade, the city has made significant strides in ecological preservation, leading to remarkable improvements in its environment. As a result, an increasing number of foreigners are drawn to the city, enticed by its favorable living conditions for both work and residence.

Mehad Mousa, who hails from Egypt, is pursuing her doctoral studies in literary translation at the Northwest University in Xi'an. She expressed profound admiration for the city's rich civilization, which has left a lasting impression on her.

"The locals in this city are truly delightful. They exhibit a genuine willingness to help. Undoubtedly, the city's extensive history and profound traditional culture have played a significant role in cultivating such amiable characteristics among its people," she said.

Xi'an, known for its openness and inclusivity, has earned the endearing title of "second hometown" among numerous foreigners.

"Xi'an is a promising place for me," said Dev Raturi, a 48-year-old Indian who has lived here for years and runs an Indian restaurant. "As my business is good here, I have opened more restaurants all the way from Xi'an to Chengdu, Hangzhou and Changchun," he added.

PROMISING FUTURE

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. The city's vibrant international scene continues to grow, expanding its "circle of friends" on an international scale. As of now, Xi'an has established 38 sister cities worldwide, further solidifying its global connections.

Sofiya said she believes the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China in 2013 offers numerous opportunities to countries and peoples along the route. "Many Chinese companies hope to expand their presence in Central Asian countries and they turn to me for advice," said Sofiya, who is now a professor of international law.

Chinese entrepreneur Yuan Zhaohui was one of them. In 2015, he founded Silkroad City Shop in Xi'an and has actively participated in cross-border trade with his Kazakhstan partners for a remarkable p of eight years. According to him, the China-Europe freight trains have significantly minimized the distance between nations, making the world appear smaller.