Business Travel

A New Cultural Hub Rises in Xi’an

The Chinese city of Xi'an is best known for ancient relics. But lately it's been developing Qujiang New District as an economic centre with a cultural focus

Qujiang New District in the northwestern city of Xi’an is an economic centre dedicated to promoting Chinese art and culture. Many of China’s ancient relics still exist today in Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province, which has made it a popular tourist destination. The 47-square-kilometre new area was built to house museums, theme parks and sites designed to resemble ancient times – amid a backdrop of high-end malls and hospitality.

Over the past decade, the government has built pagodas, imperial gardens and other cultural sites in Qujiang that loosely correspond with the history of the Tang dynasty. Before construction began, the area was largely vacant. Recent projects have been large in scale, including Tang Paradise, a theme park that recreates a sprawling vision of the dynasty along a tree-lined lake. 

This renewed emphasis on Chinese culture has made Qujiang a boon for entertainment-related business and investment. The Chinese government also wants to lure in travellers to Qujiang with a spate of high-profile new tenants including five-star hotels and luxury shopping centres. The W opened its largest property in Asia Pacific there last year. Today, the area is the most expensive place to live in Xi’an.

Qujiang International Conference Centre

Qujiang New District, Xi'an, China
Canghai76 / Shutterstock

Xi’an’s primary conference venue features nine function halls and two large reception rooms that can accommodate up to 4,500 people.

Great Tang All Day Mall

Qujiang New District, Xi’an, China
Canghai76 / Shutterstock

This sprawling mall creates pedestrian avenues that link up to numerous attractions, including three themed squares, a concert hall, a theatre and much more.

W Xi’an

Marriott International W Hotels Xi'an, China
PRNewsfoto/Marriott International, Inc.

The W brand’s high energy and bright pops of colour can be found in its rooms, restaurants and glamorous indoor pool.

Tang Paradise

Qujiang New District, Xi’an, China
Imaginechina

This theme park features structures mimicking Tang-dynasty architecture. A light show with video projections provides evening entertainment.

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