By CCTV.com Panview editor team     

Editor’s foreword: "Looking China" International Youth Film Project is co-organized by the Academy for International Communication of Chinese Culture (AICCC), Beijing Normal University and Huilin Foundation, which aims to showcase the contrasting simplicity and glamour, the antiquity and fashion of China through unique perspectives of young foreign film makers.

As of the year 2016, 101 students from 25 countries were invited to participate in the project. They were stationed in 13 municipality, provinces and autonomous regions here in China. Every filmmaker has worked out a 10-minute short film about Chinese culture around the topic of “ethnic minority”.

The film, Your world, my Xi'an, directed by Jang Surang Barg, depicts the contemporary times of life in Xi'an. It holds thousands of years of history, dating from pre-Qin Dynasty times.

Nonetheless, the provincial capital city of Shaanxi is adapting to modern life with rapid expansion and urbanization. Skyscrapers highlight the new Xi'an, however residents hold the ancient city wall near and dear to their hearts.

Many centuries ago, the city wall was built to serve as a fortress and intended to protect residents from an onslaught of invading armies. The defensive strategy seemed effective as Xi'an still stands strong today.

Now, Xi'an has the look and feel of a more cosmopolitan city, while residents hope to stay relaxed and move at a leisurely pace. They feel protected from negative outside interference, because the city wall is their protector.

The city wall has also transformed into the city's hub for community activities. In 1991, the Chinese government renovated the city and encouraged developers to urbanize Xi'an with surrounding that blend its ancient history with modernity.

Meanwhile, foreigners are welcome to visit and live in Xi'an as a testament to its tolerance, but the city wall will stay.

(The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com)

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