A Glimpse of 2,000 Years, A City That Reflects China: Diplomats Experience the Ancient and Modern Charm of Xianyang

Xianyang, which holds the glorious memories of the Qin Empire, served as the capital of China's first unified dynasty. Ever since Duke Xiao of Qin relocated the capital to this site in 350 BC, the city earned renown as the "Imperial Capital Without Equal". It has profoundly inscribed the civilizational codes of "unified script, standardized chariots, and uniform weights and measures" into the very fabric of Chinese civilization, becoming a vital reference point for understanding Chinese history and culture.

From August 10 to 11, diplomats from 20 countries journeyed to Xianyang to explore the cultural DNA of Chinese civilization and its contemporary vitality across over two millennia of time and space.

Cultural Roots: Touching the DNA of Civilization

Stepping into the Qin Xianyang Palace Ruins Museum, we can tangibly sense the Qin concept of "great unity" through the interpretation of cultural relics. The dragon-patterned hollow bricks at the Xianyang Museum amazed Allan Joseph Chintedza, the Ambassador of the Republic of Malawi to China. He remarked, "How incredible that bricks from over two thousand years ago could both prevent dampness and provide sound insulation! The architectural ingenuity of ancient China is truly remarkable!" Meanwhile, the Maoling Mausoleum, hailed as the "Oriental Pyramid", offers a vivid illustration of the idea that "world cultures share common ground".

Under the moonlit sky, as the diplomats stepped onto the Ancient Ferry Bridge, the live performance of The Mighty Old Qin conveyed to them the innovative spirit of the Qin people. The digital reconstruction of the Lanchi Palace allowed them to touch on a more vibrant historical period.

Silk Road Echoes: Writing a New Chapter of Shared Prosperity

The "golden flowers" that flourish in Jingwei Fu Tea are rooted in the Silk Road tales of Xianyang Fu Tea from over 600 years ago, which was used for "tea-for-horse" and "tea-for-border-governance" trades. Adama KONE, the Defence Attaché of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to China, remarked, "These ‘golden flowers' represent not only the bounty of nature but also the crystallization of craftsmanship".

Nowadays, this "Silk Road black gold" keeps linking the world through the heritage of intangible culture and digital production. Amir Mansouri, the Spokesman of the Islamic Republic of Iran, noted, "Fu tea serves as one of the bridges connecting China with the world". From the ringing of camel bells along the Ancient Tea Horse Road to the sounding of the China-Europe Railway Express, the methods may change, but the wisdom of "using tea as a medium for harmonious coexistence" remains unchanged.

Innovative City: Inheriting the Spirit of Pioneering

"It can effectively relieve internal discomfort". After experiencing the laser therapy device at the Xianyang Qinchuangyuan Science and Technology Enterprise Incubation Park, diplomats gave it a thumbs-up. In Xianyang, the Qinchuangyuan initiative has effectively closed the "last mile" gap in technology transfer through a "collaborative mechanism that integrates government, industry, academia, research, application, and funding". This has normalized similar practices of technology transfer. From the ancient unification of "unified script and standardized chariots" over two millennia ago to Xianyang's continued pioneering efforts on the Qinchuangyuan platform, the spirit of innovation and pioneering among the people of Shaanxi remains unwavering.

Spanning from 350 BC to 2025, the story of Xianyang is a microcosm of the diverse and unified essence of Chinese civilization, as well as its openness and inclusiveness. It also stands as a testament to the shared prosperity between China and the world through mutual learning. This dialogue across over two millennia has brought history out of obscurity and clarified the future. 

(Text and photos by Chen Nan)