Young entrepreneurs chase start-up dreams in Xi'an

People are discussing their business plans in Xi'an.

The office was vibrant, colorful and full of young people. They dressed, talked and worked in an atmosphere typical of an IT company in Silicon Valley. Yet, I was not in Shanghai or Beijing, but rather a second-tier city called Xi'an in Western China's Shaanxi province.

Most people – especially foreigners, have heard of Xi'an because of its world-famous Terracotta Army.

However, the city is no longer just famous for its ancient history and fascinating museums, but also the booming number of young people who decide to start their own businesses based on the preferential policies provided by the local government and rich talent pool from dozens of universities in the city.

I have been to Zhongguancun high-technology industrial park in Beijing –China's Silicon Valley. In fact, my undergraduate university is only fifteen minutes' drive from Zhongguancun.

Just weeks ago, Premier Li Keqiang had a cup of coffee in Zhongguancun, which made the place a buzz word again among start-up entrepreneurs.

Nevertheless, my impression of Zhongguancun is as a big commercial area because of the countless shopping malls, electronic appliance stores and restaurants in the area. It seems like people who are chasing their start-up dreams are hiding in the offices quietly.

However, Xi'an Pioneering Park is full of young people discussing their new ideas, business plans and even their experiences of failure passionately.

In one of the office buildings provided by the park to young people who want to start their own businesses for free, I met with several guys aged from 20 to 33.