See You in Xi'an on Silk Road - The 2nd Themed Trip to Xi'an for Foreign Ambassadors' Spouses was launched in Weiyang District, Xi'an on the evening of October 22. The spouses of ambassadors from countries such as Benin, Gabon, Ghana, Mali, and Nicaragua have embarked on a 4-day trip to Xi'an, experiencing the vast and splendid Chinese civilization, witnessing the fruitful achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative over the past decade, and appreciating the magnificent prospects of China's modernization.

The Launching Ceremony

Speech by Qiang Sheng, Director of Foreign Affairs Office of Xi'an Municipal People's Government

Qiang Sheng, Director of Foreign Affairs Office of Xi'an Municipal People's Government, said in his speech, "Xi'an is like a book, filled with fascinating stories from the starting point of the ancient Silk Road to the starting point of the China-Europe freight train Chang'an Express. I hope that the spouses of ambassadors can understand the whole picture of Xi'an for the sake of friendship, common development, and a win-win future. Xi'an is willing to practice the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and deepen cooperation in various fields with the countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, in order to create a better future and move towards modernization together."

Speech by Fan Jianping, President of CRI Online, China Media Group

Fan Jianping, President of CRI Online, China Media Group, said in his speech that Xi'an has a long history and a brilliant culture. Now, under the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi'an has ushered in the best era. This event is launched on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to use Xi'an as a window to tell the story of China and the Silk Road, and to show the world the development and changes of the Belt and Road Initiative in the past ten years. During the event, the spouses of ambassadors will visit various places in Xi'an, including Weiyang District, Xincheng District, Beilin District, Fengxi New City, Zhouzhi County, as well as the locomotive depot of the China Railway Xi'an Group Co., Ltd. and the operation center of the China-Europe freight train. They will experience the colorful Xi'an with its profound history and modern urban development, witnessing the progress of the Silk Road.

Speech by Wang Jing, member of the Standing Committee and Director-General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Weiyang District Committee, Xi'an Municipality

Wang Jing, member of the Standing Committee and Director-General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Weiyang District Committee, Xi'an Municipality, said in her speech, "Weiyang is the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Zhang Qian set off from here and opened up the Silk Road connecting Europe and Asia. In history, 12 dynasties established their capitals here, and the 'Three Palaces and One City' of Epang Palace of the Qin Dynasty, Weiyang Palace of the Han Dynasty, Daming Palace of the Tang Dynasty, and Chang'an City of the Han Dynasty were famous at home and abroad. The Weiyang District has unique geographical advantages, concentrated administrative resources, convenient transportation, obvious integration advantages, beautiful ecological environment, and tremendous potential for development. It is the administrative center of Xi'an, one of the 'Five Strong Districts' in the province, and one of the 'Top 100 Districts' in the country. As the historical site of the Han and Tang Dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road, Weiyang District will continue to expand its opening-up, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and strive to build a model district in a national central city with excellent governance, prosperous industries, prominent culture, happy residents, and urban safety."

Speech by Mrs. NDONG ELLA Christiane, the Spouse of Gabonese Ambassador to China

Mrs. NDONG ELLA Christiane, the spouse of Gabonese Ambassador to China, said in her speech, "After the conclusion of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, we have come to Xi'an, the renowned starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Through this event, we also hope to cooperate with Xi'an in education, economy, environmental protection, culture, and many other fields. We wish for the prosperity and happiness of the city of Xi'an and the greater achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative."

Group photo of the leaders and guests

From October 23 to 26, the ambassadors' spouses will visit and explore Xi'an, writing a new chapter of the Silk Road story between the ambassadors' spouses and Xi'an.