Xi'an Transforms from Ancient Capital to a Digital Silk Road Hub: Key Insights from the 7th Western Digital Economy Expo

Xi'an's Transformation into a Digital Silk Road Hub

In recent years, Xi'an, known traditionally as an ancient capital, has begun to redefine its identity by positioning itself as a crucial player in the realm of digital economy and technology innovation. The 7th Western Digital Economy Expo, held at the end of June, served as a platform to showcase this transformation, presenting the theme "Digital Convergence Revitalizes the Silk Road, Smart Innovation Shapes the West's Future."

The event attracted a diverse array of delegates from various countries, including Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Cambodia, as well as officials and company representatives from over 30 Chinese cities. A highlight of this year's expo was the successful signing of 34 major projects, a record achievement that underscores Xi'an's commitment to advancing its digital landscape.

This year's expo notably introduced the "Digital Economy Enterprise Going Global" summit, accentuating Xi'an's shift from its historical role as a facilitator of industrial transfers to a proactive exporter of digital competencies. The summit also featured the release of the "Silk Road Cross-Border Data Flow and Operations White Paper," which provides practical recommendations to standardize digital trade among partner countries in the Belt and Road initiative.

Adding to the momentum, the signing of the "GEO Industry Standard Self-Regulatory Convention" reinforces Xi'an's efforts in developing compliant cross-border digital activities. These initiatives reflect a broader strategy to create a robust ecosystem for the digital economy in Western China, significantly contributing to the region’s economic growth.

To further stimulate its digital economy, Xi'an recorded key sectors surpassing 129 billion yuan ($18.5 billion), accounting for 9.28% of the city’s GDP as of 2025. Strengthened infrastructure initiatives, including advancements in networks, cloud computing, data management, and security, are facilitating closer collaboration between government and businesses.

Xi'an’s vision is focused on creating a shared digital ecosystem, and it actively invites participation from global partners in big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence sectors. The city is not just fostering local innovations but is also focusing on practical applications that meet global market needs, evidenced by the 303 application needs published covering diverse sectors such as smart tourism and energy.

Furthermore, Xi'an has established technological hubs specializing in open-source chips, AI algorithms, and industrial software. This initiative is designed to create a robust industrial chain stretching from research and development to large-scale deployment, thus supporting both startups and established companies alike.

Prominent firms such as Huawei and JD.com have begun to take notice of Xi'an's potential, contributing to a balanced ecosystem where enterprises of all sizes can thrive. This balance is crucial in Xi'an's goal to evolve into an innovative city for next-generation digital products and applications.

In closing, as Xi'an continues to embrace its transformation into a key digital hub along the Silk Road, it calls on partners from around the world to join in as “City Partners” to leverage the global value chains of the digital economy, thereby fostering an environment rich in collaboration, growth, and innovation.