Xian, known as Chang'an in ancient times, is one of the nation's most popular tourist attractions. One of the four
great ancient capitals of the world during the Tang Dynasty, it now serves as the capital of Shaanxi Province.
Present day Xian is an important economic, technological, commerce, trade and cultural center in the vast domain
of central and western China .
Xi'an Economic and Technological Development Zone
Xi'an Economic and Technological Development Zone is a state-level economic development zone in Xi'an, Shaanxi,
China. The zone was established in 2000. It is located at North Gate of Xi'an with its developed area of 4.9 square
kilometres.
The zone attracts many foreign investments in there, such as Coca-Cola, General Motors, HP, Mitsubishi Electric, ABB
Group, Rolls Royce, Taikoo Group, Siemens and Ting Hsin. The pillar industries in there include mechanicals,
electronics, light industry, foods, bio-pharmaceuticals, new materials and high-tech products.
Aerospace industry
Aerospace industryIn November 2006, Xi'an and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation jointly set
up Xi'an Aerospace Science and Technology Industrial Base. From its establishment, the base has focused on the
development of the civil space industry, including equipment manufacturing, software and service outsourcing, new
materials and solar photovoltaics.
Apart from the core area, the base will cover Xi'an and the Guanzhong area (the central China) and the expansion zone
will reach Northwest China and Southwest China. It is expected that by 2012 the total industry output can reach 2.8
billion us dollars with about 10 to 20 brand products with intellectual property rights and 5-8 products with global
competitiveness.
In 2008, after the launch of the initial aerospace centre in Shanghai, China is constructing another civil aerospace centre
in the Shaanxi province. The State Development and Reform Commission approved the planning of Xi'an National Civil
Aerospace Industrial Base on December 26, 2007. The National Civil Aerospace Industrial Base of Xi'an, set to cover
23 square km, will focus on developing satellites, new materials, energies, IT and other technologies for civil applications.
Economists
Chinese economists from Northwest University in Xi'an include Zhang Weiying (张维迎), Zhang Shuguang (张曙光), Weijie
(魏杰), Liu Shijin (刘世锦), Song Ze (宋则), Fenglun (冯仑), Feng Zongsu (冯宗苏), Zou Dongtao (邹东涛), Li Yiping (李义平),
Zuo Zhonghai (左中海). Zhang Chaoyang (张朝阳), the CEO of SOHU (Nasdaq) company, born and grew up in Xi'an, is the
leader in the field of Chinese Internet. Liu Chuanzhi, the founder and president of Lenovo Group Limited, completed his
higher education in Xidian University of Xi'an in 1960s.
The Host City of World Horticultural Expo 2011
Xi’an was chosen to host the 2011 World Horticultural Exposition by the Association of International Producers of Horticulture
(AIPH) at its 59th congress, held at Brighton, United Kingdom on September 4, 2007. The 2011 World Horti-Expo will be held
from April 28 to October 28, 2011. The exhibition will be located in a new district of the city, Chanba district, and is expected to
bring some 10 million visitors to Xi’an.
