Shaanxi: Where Ancient Civilization Embarks on a New Global Journey

Nestled in the heart of China, Shaanxi Province stands as a living testament to the nation's profound history and dynamic present. As one of the primary cradles of Chinese civilization and the historic starting point of the Silk Road, Shaanxi is not merely preserving its legacy but actively sharing it with the world, captivating global audiences with stories that resonate across cultures and centuries.

I.The Cradle of Civilization: A Legacy Unearthed and Preserved

Shaanxi is where the roots of Chinese civilization run deep. The groundbreaking archaeological discoveries at the Shimao and Taiping sites continue to reshape our understanding of early Chinese societal development. Beyond excavation, the province leads in innovative preservation, creating a comprehensive provincial cultural relics database and employing digital technologies to give ancient artifacts a new voice. The philosophy is clear: protect first, then manage, research, utilize effectively, and ultimately, make these treasures come alive for all.

This commitment extends to intangible cultural heritage. With 3 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage masterpieces, 91 national-level, and 674 provincial-level items, Shaanxi safeguards traditions like the Xi'an Drum Music and Chinese Paper-Cutting. Over 200 intangible cultural heritage workshops have been established, generating nearly 10,000 jobs and fostering a virtuous cycle where preservation fuels development, and development strengthens preservation. Through initiatives like "Intangible Cultural Heritage in Schools" and "in Communities," these ancient arts are passed to new generations.

II. Cultural Diplomacy: The Silk Road Spirit in the 21st Century

Leveraging its pivotal role in the historic Silk Road, Shaanxi has re-emerged as a central hub for international cultural exchange in the Belt and Road era. Flagship events like the Silk Road International Arts Festival and the Silk Road International Film Festival have become major platforms for global dialogue. The 2023 edition of the Arts Festival alone attracted artists from over 100 countries and regions, transforming Xi'an into a modern crossroads of civilizations.

The global appeal of Shaanxi's culture is unmistakable. TV series like "The Qin Empire" have found enthusiastic audiences overseas, while animated works such as the "Silk Road Legends" series charm viewers along Belt and Road countries. Cultural products featuring the Terracotta Warriors and Tang Dynasty aesthetics are exported worldwide. In 2023, the import-export value of Shaanxi's cultural products grew by 18.7%, with cultural service exports showing particularly strong growth.

Digital innovation is key to this outreach. The Chinese Bussiness International Communication Centel operates the "fresh  changan" multi-platform matrix, enables audiences worldwide to hear the stories of Shaanxi. Virtual events like the "Online National Treasure Concert" allow global audiences to experience Shaanxi's cultural riches from their homes. These efforts have built a substantial overseas following, with total overseas social media followers exceeding 5 million and interactions surpassing 20 million in 2023, significantly boosting Shaanxi's global visibility and appeal.

III. The Eternal Allure of Chang'an: Where History Meets the Modern World

The story of Shaanxi is inseparable from the glory of Chang'an, modern-day Xi'an, the ancient capital that fascinates history enthusiasts worldwide. Today, this fascination is met with immersive experiences that bridge past and present. Attractions like "Twelve Hours of Chang'an" and the "Great Tang Never-Ending City" offer visitors a chance to walk through meticulously recreated historical scenes, making the splendor of the Tang Dynasty tangible. These projects exemplify how Shaanxi gives traditional culture a vibrant, contemporary expression.

This blend of heritage and modernity fuels a thriving cultural tourism sector. In 2023, Shaanxi welcomed over 700 million tourist visits, generating total tourism revenue exceeding 700 billion yuan. Destinations like the Xi'an Qujiang New Area, the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Sites, and the Shimao Ruins Cultural Tourism Zone in Yulin showcase the successful integration of historical, red (revolutionary), and ecological tourism.

IV. Building the Future: A New Chapter for a Cultural Powerhouse

Looking ahead, Shaanxi is charting an ambitious course to solidify its status as a leading cultural province. It will deepen archaeological research, enhance protection for iconic heritage sites like the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasty capitals, the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, and the Terracotta Army, aiming to establish itself as a world-class symbol of Chinese civilization.

The province will intensify its "culture going global" strategy, enhancing its signature international festivals and supporting local cultural enterprises in building competitive global brands and intellectual properties. By fostering a multi-dimensional international communication network, Shaanxi is committed to presenting a truthful, multi-faceted, and comprehensive image of the region to the world.

Furthermore, Shaanxi is building a modern cultural industry system. It is implementing a major cultural projects strategy, promoting the digital transformation of culture, and establishing a Northwest Regional Center for the National Cultural Big Data System. By refining cultural economic policies and stimulating innovation, Shaanxi is driving the high-quality development of its cultural industries, contributing robust cultural strength to the realization of Chinese modernization.

From its ancient origins as a cradle of civilization to its current role as a bridge for cross-cultural exchange, Shaanxi demonstrates that the most enduring histories are those that continue to evolve and connect. It is not just guarding its past; it is inviting the world to be part of its ongoing story—a story where the echoes of Chang'an continue to inspire a global future.

编辑：邓波