Ambassadors' Wives to China Visit Beilin District: Learning New Stories in Old Market Culture and Creative District

On October 24, the spouses of the ambassadors of Benin, Gabon, Ghana, Mali, and Nicaragua among others visited the Old Market Culture and Creative District in Beilin District, Xi'an City. In the shadow of the city's old walls, they listened to new stories about antiquity, modernity, and the seamless cultural tapestry that is contemporary Xi'an.

Stopping to talk to a stall owner

Upon entering the Old Market Culture and Creative District, the ladies were dazzled by an array of brilliant street performances and stick-operated puppet shows. As they followed their guide, they were greeted by the neon green "Laocaichang" (Old Market) sign flashing on the brick-red wall and beckoning down a long alley towards stalls selling youtiao (deep-fried strips of wheat flour dough), pancakes, live chickens and ducks, and fresh vegetables, colorfully set out to entice the passing pedestrians, even as the calls of vendors and waves of laughter and music filled the air.

Watching a puppet show

The wife of the Nicaraguan Ambassador to China, Lina Maria Bacon Garcia, shared her views on the Old Market Culture and Creative District. "They have utilized every possible innovative idea, integrating new concepts with the original market to create something incredibly impressive for the younger generation. I believe this is essential for culture, and any method that preserves authenticity while fostering innovation deserves to be promoted," Garcia said.

Old Market Culture and Creative District

The Old Market Culture and Creative District is just one example of how Beilin District works to promote the integration of culture and tourism, improve infrastructure, and diversify business. In the future, the District intends to actively explore new ways to transform and upgrade the urban center and see its "culture and tourism+" strategy through to the end, converting its cultural and tourism resources into competitive and developmental advantages, bringing the local cultural tourism industry into line with international standards, engaging the global community in dialogue, and injecting powerful momentum into high-quality regional development.