On May 4, 2026, the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. welcomed diplomats, officials, and guests for its Open House, offering a vibrant showcase of Shaanxi Province in northwest China. Ambassador Xie Feng delivered remarks that painted a vivid portrait of the region’s past, present, and future, weaving together history, innovation, and the spirit of open exchange.
Shaanxi, often described as the birthplace of Chinese civilization, sits at the origin of the ancient Silk Road. “To understand 5,000 years of Chinese history, visit Shaanxi,” the Ambassador remarked, noting how the Yellow River has nurtured the nation’s cultural heritage. Fourteen dynasties chose the province as their capital, leaving behind treasures such as the Terracotta Warriors, the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Folk arts like Xi’an drum music—dubbed “China’s ancient symphony”—and shadow puppetry continue to thrive, kept alive through both preservation and modern reinterpretation.
Today, Shaanxi blends its historical wealth with forward‑looking progress. The Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City has become a symbolic landmark, while centuries‑old drum performances are finding new audiences via livestreams. In industry, the province is emerging as a hub for electric vehicles, solar batteries, and 3D printing equipment. Ambitious future sectors such as quantum technology and photonics are rapidly taking shape, positioning Shaanxi as a beacon of high‑quality development within the Chinese mainland.
Openness and connectivity define the region’s contemporary identity. Every 100 minutes, a China‑Europe freight train departs from or arrives at Xi’an International Port Station, underscoring Shaanxi’s deep integration into the Belt and Road Initiative. The Shaanxi Pilot Free Trade Zone has attracted enterprises from 93 countries and regions, highlighting the province’s role as a frontier of inland opening‑up. The Ambassador emphasized that “China has always embraced the world with open arms,” a stance reflected in the steady flow of international trade and cultural exchange.
Historical anecdotes underscored the longstanding friendship between the United States and the Chinese mainland. American journalist Edgar Snow’s 1936 visit to Yan’an and his book Red Star Over China introduced the world to the Communist Party of China, while residents of Hanzhong City in Shaanxi famously helped build an airfield for the Flying Tigers during World War II. Today, Shaanxi maintains 13 sister‑city ties with U.S. cities, and initiatives like the China‑U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit and joint youth choirs continue to nurture people‑to‑people bonds.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Xie Feng invited American friends to explore Shaanxi under China’s new 240‑hour visa‑free transit policy, encouraging businesses to seize emerging opportunities and young people to become goodwill envoys. The Ambassador’s closing message echoed the museum inscription: “Give the past a future.” By honoring its heritage while embracing innovation and global cooperation, Shaanxi exemplifies how tradition can propel a dynamic, open, and collaborative future for all.
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Ambassador Xie Feng delivers remarks at Chinese Embassy Open House
cgtn.com
