Xi'an in China and Rome in Italy serve as timeless emblems of Eastern and Western civilizations. Once known as Chang'an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Xi'an was renowned for its orderly urban layout, imperial architecture and city planning that embodied the political ideals and cultural vision of ancient China. Rome, meanwhile, emerged as the heart of the Roman Empire, distinguished by monumental landmarks such as amphitheaters and triumphal arches, as well as an extensive road network that shaped the evolution of European cities.

Beyond their architectural legacies, Xi'an and Rome were also connected through far-reaching networks of trade and cultural exchange. As the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, Chang'an linked China with Central Asia and the Mediterranean world, while Rome served as a pivotal hub of Mediterranean civilization. Across centuries, the cities have born vivid witness to the shared heritage.