From September 20 to 23, a delegation of 24 youth media chiefs from political parties across 15 countries visited the ancient capital of Xi'an. Through a series of in-depth tours, the participants witnessed firsthand the city's profound historical heritage, dynamic innovative vitality, and remarkable rural transformation.

Coffee and Art Empower Countryside Revival

The delegation's journey on the morning of September 21 took them to Liyukou Village in Jinyi District, nestled at the foot of the Qinling Mountains. After a fresh autumn rain, the village greeted them with clean, wide roads, lush greenery, and vibrant peasant paintings depicting abundant harvests.

The visit highlighted a striking example of rural revitalization: the transformation of a former dilapidated stone powder factory into the popular "Tucumseh Café." This establishment has evolved into a vibrant rural leisure hub, offering coffee, dining, a bookshop, and cultural exhibitions.

"Don't underestimate this coffee shop," said Wang Lijun, secretary of the village party committee, with pride. "Last year, it contributed over 110,000 yuan to the village's collective economy and enabled many villagers to find employment close to home."

Liyukou Village now hosts more than a dozen unique businesses like the Tucumseh Café, creating jobs for over 100 residents. Art installations and creative slogans dot the landscape, where new ventures such as tea shops, specialty lodges, and digital traveler communities flourish. In just a few years, the area has been transformed from a poverty-stricken village into a beautiful, livable model community.

Yanna Bashmakova, a media assistant from the Russian Federation’s Youth for Justice, was frequently seen capturing the scene with her camera. "I've visited many villages around the world, but this one still surprises me-beautiful architecture, delicious coffee, and a community of dreamers. It's one of the most beautiful villages I've ever seen," she remarked.

Mahsh Pandey, a journalist from Nepal, was particularly fascinated by the calligraphy and annual painting experiences. "I have seen how traditional culture is being inherited and promoted alongside development here. It is a model worth learning from."

Where History Meets the Future: Autonomous Subways and Cultural Stations

On September 23, the group experienced Xi'an's Subway Line 8, a showcase of the city's innovation in intelligent transportation and cultural integration. Staff explained that Line 8 operates using the highest international automation level (GOA4), featuring a fully autonomous driving system. It incorporates advanced technologies like a cloud platform, smart stations, and new passenger amenities such as wireless phone charging areas.

The delegation also visited the renowned Hanyao Station, often cited as one of China's most beautiful subway stations. Adjacent to the Qujiang Hanyao Heritage Park, the station draws inspiration from the legendary Tang Dynasty love story of "Hanya."

Upon entering, the members were amazed by the spacious, pillarless dome. The station's design theme, "the long history of the Qujiang River flowing and the tales of Hanya's love affair," incorporates elements from opera, with lighting creating a "flowing sunshine" effect. The ceiling, composed of polished plates and linear lights, mimics shimmering water droplets, while sound and light systems operate in different modes for holidays and weekdays, creating a futuristic atmosphere.

"The subway stations in Xi'an masterfully blend cutting-edge technology with historical culture, and the unmanned driving system is particularly impressive," said Maria Cherkasova, Deputy Minister of Media and Social Work for the Russian Communist Party. "This experience was memorable, showcasing both technological advancement and human warmth. I will share what I saw in Xi'an with my readers."

From the revitalized countryside at the foot of the Qinling Mountains to the high-tech enterprises pulsating with innovation, the four-day visit left a deep impression on the international media delegates. Xi'an, an ancient capital, continues to tell a compelling story to the world-a narrative where tradition and modernity intersect through openness and innovation.