Modern Xi'an
Where ancient history meets contemporary innovation
Where ancient history meets contemporary innovation
While Xi'an is renowned for its ancient treasures, the city has evolved into a vibrant modern metropolis that seamlessly blends its historical heritage with contemporary culture, innovative technology, and urban sophistication.
From dazzling light shows and cutting-edge museums to trendy shopping districts and creative culinary scenes, modern Xi'an offers experiences that complement its historical attractions and showcase China's dynamic present.
Explore Xi'an's contemporary urban spaces
A cultural and commercial hub featuring modern architecture, luxury hotels, shopping malls, and cultural venues surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This area beautifully combines historical elements with contemporary design.
A large cultural theme park that recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty using modern technology. Features spectacular water shows, light displays, and performances that bring ancient culture to life through contemporary presentation.
A vibrant pedestrian street and entertainment complex that comes alive at night with colorful lights, street performances, and modern shopping. This area offers a contemporary take on Tang Dynasty aesthetics.
Modern experiences that showcase Xi'an's innovative spirit
A modern architectural marvel hosting world-class performances ranging from classical Chinese music to international orchestras. The building itself is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese design elements.
The museum's modern extension uses cutting-edge technology including VR experiences, interactive displays, and digital reconstructions to bring ancient history to life for contemporary audiences.
A massive modern sports complex featuring innovative architecture and world-class facilities. The center hosts major sporting events and showcases Xi'an's ambitions as a modern international city.
A sleek, contemporary venue that hosts international business events, exhibitions, and conferences. The architecture blends modern design with subtle references to traditional Chinese elements.
Contemporary retail and culinary experiences
A luxury shopping mall featuring international designer brands, upscale dining, and contemporary architecture. This high-end retail destination showcases Xi'an's growing affluence and cosmopolitan character.
A modern shopping complex with a mix of international and domestic brands, entertainment facilities, and a variety of dining options. The mall features innovative design and interactive installations.
A comprehensive entertainment and shopping complex featuring cinemas, retail stores, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Popular with locals and visitors seeking contemporary Chinese retail experiences.
Xi'an's modern dining scene includes innovative restaurants that blend traditional Shaanxi flavors with international culinary techniques. These establishments offer creative interpretations of classic dishes.
A thriving modern coffee scene has emerged in Xi'an, with stylish cafés serving specialty coffee in contemporary spaces that often incorporate elements of local history and culture in their design.
As a growing international city, Xi'an now offers authentic global cuisines from Italian to Japanese, Thai to Mexican, catering to both expatriates and locals with cosmopolitan tastes.
Experience the city's dazzling nighttime transformation
Asia's largest musical fountain performs nightly with choreographed water displays, lights, and music in a spectacular modern interpretation of Tang Dynasty aesthetics.
The ancient city wall is transformed at night with modern lighting that highlights its historical architecture while creating a contemporary urban experience.
Cutting-edge projection mapping, holographic displays, and water screens create an immersive nighttime spectacle that tells the story of the Tang Dynasty using 21st-century technology.
Xi'an's emergence as a hub for technology and innovation
Established in 1991, this zone has transformed Xi'an into one of China's most important centers for research, development, and manufacturing in fields such as electronics, aerospace, biotechnology, and software development.
The zone hosts facilities for numerous multinational corporations and Chinese tech giants, as well as startups and research institutions, creating a dynamic ecosystem that contrasts with the city's ancient image.
Samsung's largest research facility outside South Korea, focusing on artificial intelligence, 5G technology, and semiconductor development.
A specialized zone within the high-tech area dedicated to software development, digital media, and information technology services.
Home to research and manufacturing facilities for China's space program and commercial aerospace industry.
An innovation hub connecting academic research with commercial applications, focusing on advanced materials, energy technology, and biomedical engineering.
Xi'an's thriving modern creative scene
A contemporary art museum housed in a striking modern building, featuring rotating exhibitions of Chinese and international contemporary art, with a focus on the intersection of traditional culture and modern expression.
A creative complex housed in a renovated textile mill from 1935, now home to art galleries, design studios, boutiques, and cafés. This cultural hub exemplifies adaptive reuse of industrial heritage for contemporary creative purposes.
A state-of-the-art performance venue with exceptional acoustics, hosting classical concerts, contemporary music performances, and innovative cross-cultural musical collaborations.
A private museum that bridges traditional and contemporary Chinese art, with a particular focus on folk art, modern interpretations of traditional techniques, and innovative calligraphy.
Experiences that blend Xi'an's ancient heritage with contemporary creativity
Traditional Tang Dynasty performances enhanced with contemporary staging, lighting effects, and artistic interpretations. These shows maintain cultural authenticity while incorporating modern production values.
"The perfect blend of historical accuracy and modern entertainment techniques." — China Travel Guide
Xi'an's famous dumpling banquets reimagined with modern presentation techniques, innovative fillings, and artistic plating that transforms traditional cuisine into a contemporary culinary experience.
"Traditional flavors presented with the flair of modern gastronomy." — Food & Travel Magazine
Cutting-edge VR and AR installations at various historical sites allow visitors to experience Xi'an's past through immersive technology, seeing ancient buildings as they once were and interacting with historical figures.
"The past comes alive through technology in a way that traditional museums can't match." — Digital Tourism Review
Interactive workshops where traditional crafts like paper cutting, calligraphy, and pottery are taught with contemporary applications and modern design sensibilities, creating souvenirs that blend old techniques with new aesthetics.
"These workshops preserve ancient skills while making them relevant to modern life." — Artisan Travel
Tips for experiencing modern Xi'an
Use the Xi'an Metro for efficient travel between modern districts. Line 1 connects the train station with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area, while Line 2 runs north-south through the city center. Didi (Chinese Uber) is readily available for direct transportation.
Modern attractions like shopping malls and museums are enjoyable year-round. For outdoor light shows and fountain displays, visit between April and October. The Tang Paradise night show is most spectacular during summer evenings.
Consider downloading WeChat for mobile payments and transportation services. A VPN may be necessary for accessing some international websites and apps. Translation apps like Baidu Translate work well for navigating modern Xi'an.