Editor’s note: This October, we are praying for Xi’an, located in northwestern China. Xi’an is famous for its terra cotta warriors, an army built more than 2,000 years ago to usher China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, into the afterlife. Xi’an is the eastern end of the Silk Road, and was the capital of several ruling dynasties throughout Chinese history. Today, the city has a population of about 13 million, and remains popular as a tourist destination.

To find out more about Xi’an and how to pray for this important city, several pastors and ministry leaders shared about their home.

China Partnership: We want to pray for Xi’an. But to do so effectively, we need to understand the situation. What makes your city unique among Chinese cities?

Conservative, Traditional, Academic

Wang Hu: Xi’an has a rich history and culture, which it often prides itself on. While this is a strength, it also presents some weaknesses. People tend to be conservative. In my experience, if you encourage people to speak freely and share their thoughts, they may not be very forthright. Perhaps a few who are more comfortable speaking will share their views. This conservative nature is part of Xi’an’s character. Compared to southern China or other cities, the style here is more reserved.

People tend to be conservative. In my experience, if you encourage people to speak freely and share their thoughts, they may not be very forthright.

So, there’s traditional culture, but also a conservative element in the personality and culture that permeates various aspects of life.

Cai Gao: From 2017 to now – even from 2012 or 2013 – the general environment has been one of decline and increasing restrictions.

What makes Xi’an unique? Our city and province have over 1.2 million university and college students. That’s one distinctive feature.

Economically, Xi’an is considered a second or third-tier city, so there’s a relatively large concentration of young people here.

Zhang Nan: There is a large student population, particularly university students and young adults. There are many universities, suggesting potential for student ministry.

It is hard to form meaningful connections. Xi’an is a migrant city, and a lot of people from other areas settle here.

A Migrant City

An Yujing: Because I’m local, I’ve seen ministry evolve. Our church has been established for nearly 10 years.

Many of the things that make Xi’an unique have already been mentioned. Xi’an’s rich cultural heritage and history as an ancient city are also key factors. Relationships here tend to be more conservative and harder to build. There’s a lack of trust and a sense of insecurity in interpersonal interactions.

It is hard to form meaningful connections. Xi’an is a migrant city, and a lot of people from other areas settle here. Xi’an is considered a central hub for work, life, and settlement in this area. There are many intellectuals, including university professors, in our church.

Gao Zhuang: While Xi’an is an ancient city, in another sense it is also a newly emerging city. Some people say Xi’an is “internet-famous,”[1] and draws people to itself with its rich cultural heritage.

Many businesses flourish here, which attracts people who want somewhere less competitive than cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen. People see Xi’an as a less stressful alternative.

While Xi’an is an ancient city, in another sense it is also a newly emerging city.

Harmony: You haven’t mentioned Xi’an’s food! Xi’an has tons of delicious food. The noodles are incredibly delicious. You should add that in. It’s such an important characteristic! There are so many snacks. It’s a key feature of the city. Tell everyone: a sister could eat different street food every day for a month!

[1] “Internet-famous” city: A term used to describe cities that gain popularity through social media and online exposure.

 Cai Gao is a house church pastor in Xi’an, and Wang Hu is an elder in his house church. An Yujing and Zhang Nan are women involved in house church ministry, and Gao Zhuang is an elder at a local church. Harmony does not live in Xi’an, but often visits the city to see family. She is involved in ministry in her own city in eastern China.

Pray for Xi’an believers to see and enjoy every aspect of their historic city, honoring God for how he has designed Xi’an.