As the birthplace of Chinese civilization, Xi'an has an allure that draws in travelers from all corners of the globe. The moment you step foot in Xi'an, you can feel the weight of history on your shoulders. This is one of the oldest cities in China, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. But beyond its rich historical legacy lies a city that is thriving in the present day. As someone who has been involved in the urbanization of Xi'an, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation of this ancient city into a modern metropolis, complete with towering skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, and a vibrant cultural scene. Thus, I have a unique perspective on the city's growth and development, and I am excited to share my insights with you.
The villages surrounded by skyscrapers in Xi'an are a remnant of the city's early urbanization. As China underwent rapid development following its 1978 reform and opening-up policy and its joining of the World Trade Organization, Xi'an was no exception. The local government sought to expand the city center by constructing commercial and real estate skyscrapers and chose to occupy the uninhabited spaces around the villages. This approach allowed the government to avoid the need to negotiate with villagers, thus saving time and money. Consequently, many villages became surrounded by high-rise buildings. However, this early urbanization strategy left a problem for the government to solve, which led to a negotiation process with villagers to demolish and rebuild their buildings into apartments. The government offered a stipend as compensation during the rebuilding process. Nevertheless, the negotiation process was not always smooth, as conflicts and protests arose between the government and some villagers. Some were resistant to changing their living arrangements, while others sought to extract more profits from the government. Despite the challenges, the government has continued its efforts to modernize these villages and bring them into line with the rest of the city.
This transition also affected me, who lived in such a village at a very young age. My village was nestled in a rapidly developing district of the city, surrounded by towering skyscrapers. As a result, I had the best of both worlds - the comforts of living in a tight-knit community with the amenities of a modern metropolis. My village was a hub of constant activity. I vividly remember playing hide-and-seek with my friends in the sprawling village, meeting new kids every month as migrants from other cities and suburbs settled in our village temporarily. In the evening, dining cars would offer up delicious food, like grilled meat, which was a treat that I always looked forward to. I lived in a four-story house with my grandparents, parents, aunt, and uncle, meaning I could interact with my entire family daily.
On weekdays, my dad would drive me to school, and as we drove away from the village, I could see the gradual transition from low-rise buildings to high-rise structures in my field of vision. It was a peculiar experience for me, who lived in my village, where tall buildings were hard to see. However, as I grew older, the word 'rebuilding' began to crop up increasingly. I knew that something dramatic was about to happen. In 2013, when I was just ten years old, we moved out of the village and into an apartment. The transition to a new neighborhood was a shock. I could immediately sense the hustle and bustle of the city that I had previously been sheltered from.
Every time I passed by the village, I could see the houses being demolished one by one, by towering cranes, until only rubble remained. In 2017, our village was transformed into apartments, which occupied less space. This move allowed the government and property developers to take advantage of the extra space to develop shopping malls, skyscrapers, and other commercial activities. While we had the opportunity to move into a rebuilt neighborhood, we decided to stay put. Even though the living conditions were different, and the new surroundings felt alien at first, I will always cherish the memories of my unique childhood in that special village surrounded by towering skyscrapers.
Although my childhood home was transformed from a village into an apartment complex, the memories and experiences I gained from that period of my life remain with me to this day. As Xi'an continues to grow and develop, I hope the city and its residents will work together to create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community that honors both the past and the present. Xi'an will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to seeing how the city will continue to evolve in the years to come.
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