In the mid-1990s, Xi’an’s urbanization was accelerated, and the urban area expanded accordingly. The city has sprawled beyond the third ring road, but the Daming Palace Ruins Region, which is within the second ring road, has remained intact. “The significant change is the population growth. The ruins region is not large, but its population density is the highest,” says Ge Chao.

Xi’an’s history dates back 3,100 years. It was the capital of 13 dynasties, so numerous historical sites are buried underground. Major ruins in the region include those of the Han Dynasty (202-220 B.C.), the Great Wall, and the Epang Palace of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.). The ruins sprawl over 108 square kilometers, making up one-100th of Xi’an’s total area.

To protect cultural heritage, Xi’an city authorities must submit a report to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage before conducting municipal construction projects, even for subways. With the expansion of the urban area, the ruins region has become the core area of the city, and it is an unavoidable obstruction to urban development.

“In the past, we wanted to change the face of the ruins region, but couldn’t because of an underdeveloped economy. Now that we can afford it, we must restore the dignity of this historical site. We will preserve the major ruins region in a scientific way, and make rational use of it. It will not be a burden in our urban development, but a new growth engine,” says Vice Mayor Duan Xiannian.

New Industrial Model

The key to preservation and reconstruction of the ruins region is funding. Within the 3.2 square kilometers of the Daming Palace Ruins Region, 3.5 million square meters of buildings were dismantled, involving 100,000 inhabitants.

“Relocating 100,000 inhabitants cost RMB 8.4 billion. We want to improve the living standards of these citizens, and their new homes are not far from their old ones, so that they can benefit from the Ruins Park. After all, they have made a great sacrifice for the protection of the ruins,” says Duan Xiannian. But this is only a small part of the project. The total renovated area will cover nearly 20 square kilometers. “The fund for preservation and reconstruction will amount to RMB 18 billion,” adds Duan.'