Why Xi'an

Routes Asia 2026 will take place in Xi'an, China.

Xi’an, an ancient yet modern city in the central part of Shaanxi Province, China, is one of China's four great ancient capitals. With its wealth of historical and cultural heritage, Xi’an stands as a world-renowned city that blends the East and West, where ancient and contemporary come together in a spirit of openness and inclusivity.

With a history of over 3,100 years of city building and over 1,100 years as a capital, Xi’an has been the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties. The city is home to 6 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, 163 museums, and 49,000 immovable cultural relics, earning it global recognition for its cultural completeness and richness. Home of The Terracotta Army, hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the most well-preserved Xi’an City Wall of the Ming dynasty, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The deep heritage of this millennium-old ancient capital continues to showcase its unique charm, drawing more and more foreign travelers to Xi’an to gain a deeper understanding of China.

2,200 years ago, Xi’an in Shaanxi Province became the starting point of the “Silk Road” - the world’s largest transport artery, marking the beginning of a new era of political, economic, and cultural exchanges between the East and the West. Today, as a national central city and a new starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an remains a pivotal hub city connecting China with Central Asia and Europe, with its unique geographical advantages playing a critical role in the “Belt and Road” Initiative.

Xi’an is a national comprehensive scientific center and a national technological innovation center, as specified by the state. The city is home to the “Belt and Road” Demonstration Zone for International Commercial Legal Services and the Secretariat of the China-Central Asia Mechanism. With 5 consulates-general and 40 international sister cities, the city engages in trade with 223 countries and regions. Its robust industrial foundation and thriving growth potential are set to create more opportunities for cooperation in the aviation market.

Today, Xi’an carries on the spirit of the ancient Silk Road while actively advancing its modern services and high-tech industries. The city is dedicated to building an international metropolis characterized by openness, inclusivity, and innovative development.