Shaanxi: starting point of new Silk Road Economic Belt

In September, 2013, President Xi Jinping brought forward the strategic vision of “building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road”. As the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Shaanxi province firmly understands the opportunity of building the modern version, is an exemplary starting point for it and by exploiting its natural advantages is positioned to be the “one belt and one road” bridge tower.

Shaanxi is situated at the geographical center of China. A one-day circular drive around Xi’an can cover a population of several hundred million. Shaanxi is the main gateway to Northwestern China from central and eastern regions, and the main channel from Northern China to southwestern regions. It is an important and convenient place connecting the economically developed eastern region and the resourceful western regions.

Aviation hub: Having been given the opportunity to build a national aviation city pilot zone, the province is striving to become the Silk Road Economic Belt aviation hub.

Railway: As a railway junction in Western China, an important section of the Eurasia Land Bridge in China, and a traffic junction connecting the Yangtze River Basin with the Lianyungang-Lanzhou and Lanzhou-Urumqi Railway, Shaanxi appreciates the importance of railway construction and transportation.

Internationa freight Chang'an runs regularly between Xi'an and Central Europe. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

E-Silk Road: The General Administration of Customs has agreed to carry out pilot work in Xi’an. Xi’an will leverage the opportunity to accelerate the development of E-commerce infrastructures and build an influential international traffic platform for Silk Road Online.

In February 2015, President Xi Jinping returned to his hometown for an inspection. He pinned new expectations on Shaanxi to be part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The province is now going all out to achieve collective benefit through communication with countries and regions along the Silk Road.