Northwest China's ancient city seeks high-quality growth in cultural tourism

The 7th Silk Road International Exposition, currently underway in Xi'an, the capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, is fostering a key platform for economic, industrial, and cultural cooperation. Spanning five days, the expo features six major exhibition areas, including dedicated sections for culture and tourism. 

One of the major highlights of the event is the food culture festival featuring diverse and flavorful Shaanxi cuisine. Nearly 150 catering companies from across the province are featured, including those with time-honored reputations and providers of specialty delicacies. Through on-site exhibitions and sales, exhibitors and visitors could delve into and savor the rich flavors of Shaanxi cuisine.

Adding to the culinary experience, Shaanxi cuisine masters and inheritors of intangible cultural heritage cuisine are showcasing their skills through live demonstrations. These include food carving, knife work, sugar art, and pastry making. Through live online broadcasts, these skilled artisans are able to share their exquisite craftsmanship with a broader audience.

Beyond its diverse culinary offerings, Shaanxi stands out for its rich tapestry of dynastic legacies, evident in its architecture, art, and folklore. The province is celebrated for its scenic attractions like Mount Huashan, the Terracotta Warriors, the Bell and Drum Towers, and its ancient city wall, all contributing to its status as a vibrant destination on the global tourism map.

Central to Shaanxi's historical allure is its capital, Xi'an. With over 3,100 years of history and having served as the capital for 13 Chinese dynasties, Xi'an is steeped in heritage. Notably, it was from here that the Chinese envoy Zhang Qian embarked on his journey to the Western regions through Central Asia during the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 25). His expedition played a pivotal role in establishing the Silk Road, fostering vital cultural and economic exchanges between China and Central Asia.

In recent years, Shaanxi's tourism industry has experienced a substantial surge, driven largely by enhanced transport connectivity, which streamlined regional travel and increased the accessibility and appeal of Shaanxi as a tourist destination.

Infrastructure development has played a crucial role in this growth. The province has seen comprehensive upgrades to its transportation networks, notably the expansion of its high-speed rail system and air travel facilities, including the expansion of Xi'an Xianyang International Airport.

Once the third phase of Xianyang International Airport is operational, it will have the capacity to handle an annual passenger throughput of 83 million, said Sun Jinghu, deputy director of the Shaanxi provincial department of commerce during the opening ceremony of the event.

Meanwhile, Shaanxi's cultural festivals, bolstered by government support, have emerged as one of the major draws for tourists. Events like the Lantern Festival on the Ancient City Wall bring Shaanxi's rich culture to a broader audience, offering immersive experiences that encompass traditional music and dance, as well as local cuisine, providing visitors with an authentic opportunity to engage with the region's heritage.

Preservation efforts on cultural heritage

In recent years, the government has intensified its cultural preservation efforts, developing a system with detailed regulations and innovative approaches.

For example, a tiered warning system has been implemented to safeguard the city wall, complemented by rapid response strategies to prevent potential damage. Wu Chun, the deputy director of Xi'an City Wall Management Committee, notes that regular patrols are conducted, and over 8,000 monitoring points have been established along the city wall.

These sustained preservation efforts have successfully integrated the wall and its adjacent scenic areas, characterized by lush greenery and clear moat water, into the urban fabric of Xi'an. As a result, this area has transformed into a favored spot for recreation and tourism.

In terms of digital preservation, Xi'an is set to establish a digital archive for the city's world cultural heritage, thereby creating a comprehensive protection and management system for these treasured sites, according to the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).

The plan outlines goals for the city's cultural landscape. By 2025, the city will host 172 museums, establish two national cultural industry demonstration parks, and develop one or two national tourism resorts. Additionally, the city is expected to be home to 950 cultural enterprises, generating an operating income of 100 billion yuan (approximately $13.81 billion).

Leveraging its array of leisure and tourist attractions, cultural venues, and parks, Xi'an is set to enhance its tourism quality, offering enriched leisure, recreation, and cultural experiences for both residents and visitors.