In the wake of its rapid economic development and emergence as an international metropolis, the diversity of restaurants and food outlets and the overall internationalization of the food in Xi'an – capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province – has become an unstoppable force.

An event called International Cuisine in Xi'an – a major online cultural exchange conducted at home and abroad – concluded recently, and to date it has received close to 4 million hits.

 Two international visitors try out some Xi'an traditional cuisine. [Photo/Visual Xi'an]

The activity released 14 integrated media articles reflecting the overseas and local traditional cuisines in Xi'an, telling the stories behind many Chinese and international cuisines.

Most of the international restaurants in Xi'an are located in the prosperous business districts, as well as in the quaint streets and alleys in the urban area. The operators include expats, returned overseas Chinese and locals in Xi'an.

Two people tuck into food at a South Korean restaurant in Xi'an. [Photo/Visual Xi'an]

Some restaurants have been operating in Xi'an for many years, and many have opened chain stores. They have successfully integrated into the Xi'an catering market and become an indispensable part of Xi'an cuisine.

They are often frequented by Xi'an university students, expats living and working in the city, and local citizens.

Many readers and netizens said that the activity reflected the openness of contemporary Xi'an. They said it showed the rich catering culture from all over the world, and the exchange and mutual learning taking place between Xi'an's traditional cuisine and its international cuisine.

Two people share wine at a western restaurant in Xi'an. [Photo/Visual Xi'an]