The City
Xi’an, located in central China, is about a two-hour flight from both Beijing and Shanghai.
One of the oldest Chinese cities, it served as the capital of numerous dynasties and for centuries was the starting point of the Silk Road, which connected Asia to Europe. A populous and cosmopolitan city, Xi’an has historically been a crossroads of people, cultures, and religions. While modern Xi’an differs greatly from the ancient capital, it retains a rich cultural heritage, including the Terracotta Army guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, the majestic Ming-era city walls, numerous archaeological sites, museums, pagodas, and temples.
After losing its role as China’s political center in the tenth century, Xi’an experienced a long period of decline. However, it has recently undergone a revival due to the development project for central and western China. Today, Xi’an is one of the region’s most important industrial, political, and cultural hubs, strategically positioned within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013), which grants it a crucial role in international networks.
iHarbour
In 2011, the Xixian New Area was established on the border between the cities of Xi’an and Xianyang. This special economic development zone covers 882 square kilometers and derives its name from the initials of the two cities. Within this area, which includes five technology districts, lies the Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbour (iHarbour), which hosts the Milan Building, the base of Politecnico di Milano in Xi’an.
Innovation Harbour, an initiative led by Xi’an Jiaotong University, is a hub for scientific and technological innovation and serves as a new model for urban development. It includes buildings dedicated to:
- Scientific research
Research institutes and key state laboratories. - Education
The new XJTU campus, including centers established in collaboration with other universities. - Business incubation and technology transfer
Spaces for incubators, accelerators, pilot plants, and joint university-industry research laboratories. - Services
Dormitories and apartments, restaurants, shopping centers, a hospital, sports facilities, and cultural centers.