Four must-dos for heads of state in Xi’an

2．Attend a traditional Chinese welcoming ceremony

For the heads of states, it's common to attend welcoming ceremonies, but a traditional Chinese welcoming ceremony is unique. With reference to ancient literature, the city revived ancient ceremonies, mixing royal etiquette of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) together with local folk traditions.

Normally, the ceremony is held at the south gate of Xi'an's City Wall, which is one of the oldest and best preserved city walls in China. Former US president Bill Clinton was the first foreign leader to attend the ceremony in 1998. When he took the gold key, which symbolized opening the gate of friendship between the two countries, he smiled happily.

Sometimes, foreign leaders receive the ceremony at the airport as a surprise. Leonid Krafchuk, former President of Ukraine, experienced such a surprise welcome in 2009 when he attended the Euro-China Economic Forum in Xi’an.

“Xi'an is such a hospitable city. I know that it is the first capital of China as well as the home of traditional culture. Now I have found out more about its attractions,” he said.