Traditional culture takes center stage in historic Xi'an

Xi'an is rich in historical and cultural resources, such as the world-famous terracotta warriors and horses, the Bell and Drum towers, the ancient city wall and more.

It has a total of 159 museums, attracting over 30 million people each year, with 95 percent of its museums offering free entry.

"With conservation as the guiding principle, we aim to breathe new life into our cultural legacy through artistic projects and multimedia displays, thus giving visitors a sense of rediscovery in China's ancient capital," said Sun Chao, director of Xi'an Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism.

The cultural tourism sector has gradually become a pillar industry in Xi'an, where visitors can delve into history at the renowned Shaanxi History Museum, traverse the majestic ancient city wall, or savor the immersive experience of donning traditional Chinese attire.

Statistical data shows that in the first quarter of this year, Xi'an received 45 million tourists, raking in tourism revenue of 53 billion yuan, up 12 percent and 22 percent, respectively, over the same period in 2019.

In rankings unveiled by online travel agency Trip.com Group, Xi'an was one of the top 10 popular tourist destinations during the past May Day holiday.

The China-Central Asia Summit, which will take place in Xi'an on May 18 and 19, has further propelled the city into the spotlight. For a long time, the city's rich cultural heritage and modern vibrancy have attracted visitors from far and wide.

Daiyrbek Kyzy Gulaiym, who hails from Kyrgyzstan, has been studying the Chinese language in Xi'an for more than four years.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which was proposed by China in 2013, has deepened cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China in areas such as trade, education, tourism and cultural exchange, creating more opportunities for the two peoples, the 24-year-old foreign student said.

"I hope to stay in Xi'an after graduation to gain a more comprehensive understanding of China, and also introduce the history, customs and scenery of my hometown to Chinese friends," she added.