Global Mayors Gather in Xi'an to Harmonize Heritage and Modern Industry

In late April 2026, Xi'an, China, hosted the inaugural Global Mayors Dialogue. This gathering of mayors from around the world aimed to explore innovative ways cities along the ancient Silk Road could reconcile their rich historical heritage with modern industrial advancements. The three-day event was themed around "The Origin of the Ancient Silk Road and Harmonious Coexistence of Technology and Culture as Drivers of Sustainable Urban Development."

A Rich and Diverse Program

The event featured a mix of roundtable discussions, immersive cultural experiences, and in-depth site visits. These activities were designed to engage the mayors in practical discussions on smart city solutions readily applied in everyday urban management contexts. Participants had the opportunity to tour modern manufacturing facilities and UNESCO World Heritage sites, gaining firsthand insights into how digital technologies are reshaping municipal governance and driving industrial transformation.

One highlight was the visit to the Chang'an-Cloud complex, home to Xi'an's Museum of Science and Technology and the City Planning Exhibition Hall, where attendees witnessed large-scale technological innovations and cutting-edge manufacturing processes firsthand.

Another unique experience awaited attendees at Grand Tang Mall, where they encountered a performer dressed as the famous Tang poet Li Bai, who recited improvised verses. This artistic representation allowed visitors to engage with Tang dynasty culture through contemporary reinterpretation, illustrating the ongoing relevance of Xi'an's cultural heritage.

Merging Past and Present

In Xi'an, history is not merely a relic of the past; it is intricately woven into the fabric of daily life. The mayors visited Xi'an's city wall, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls globally, secured with modern surveillance systems. Over 3,000 sensors and AI-based algorithms continuously monitor the condition of individual bricks, facilitating the conservation of this 1,400-year-old structure.

The city's industrial foundation is also expanding rapidly. The Geely Intelligent Manufacturing Plant in Xi'an employs 934 robots that produce vehicles with an astonishing speed of nearly one unit per minute, all within an efficient, well-lit manufacturing hall. Xi'an’s high-tech industries are diversified, spanning photonics and medical technology, with locally developed technologies increasingly making their way to international markets.

As an inland city, Xi'an has capitalized on the China-Europe freight trains, establishing itself as a logistics hub connecting Asia and Europe. In 2025, over 6,000 freight trains passed through Xi'an's rail freight terminal.

In addition to exploring modern industrial applications, the delegation investigated how digital systems are utilized in infrastructure, public services, and cultural production to integrate modern technology seamlessly into historically rich urban environments.

The event concluded with the release of the Global Mayors Dialogue – Xi'an Consensus on Silk Road Urban Development. For the participating mayors, Xi'an exemplified how a historic starting point of the Silk Road can evolve into a thriving hub of global commerce while preserving its cultural heritage.

By promoting ongoing dialogue and collaboration among cities, the dialogue aims to illuminate pathways toward sustainable urban futures that honor both historical significance and technological advancement.