The Central Asia Park, which opened on May 18 this year in Xi'an, is becoming a new gateway for cultural exchanges between Xi'an and Central Asia.

An aerial view of the Central Asia Park in Xi'an. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Adjacent to the China-Central Asia Summit venue in Xi'an and situated along the Bahe River, the park was transformed from the original Xi'an International Convention and Exhibition Park.

It comprises the Silk Road Hall, a Central Asian-themed dining district, and park landscapes, integrating Central Asian elements and garden features. The park is a vital showcase for the Belt and Road cultural and economic exchanges and is a significant cultural conduit and emotional link between China and Central Asian countries.

Locals choose imported goods at the park's Silk Road Hall. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The park's opening provides a one-stop experiential platform for visitors to shop, tour, dine, and enjoy entertainment with a Central Asian flavor. It creates an essential window for cultural exchanges, economic and trade negotiations, tourism promotion, product sales, and unique dining experiences between China and Central Asia.

Since its opening, the main building, the Silk Road Hall, has hosted over 70 visiting groups, including tourist groups, foreign delegations, national study groups, and local visitors.

A student from Turkmenistan expressed, "Coming here feels like coming home. I never expected to see so many things reminiscent of my homeland in a park in Xi'an. It makes me feel very warm!"

Sculptures related to the Silk Road at the park. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]