Although Xi'an is best known for the Terracotta Warriors and many traditional delicacies, the ancient city is now making firm and quick steps to become a major IT hub by creating a favorable environment for technology companies as well as professionals from all over the world.
One such talent are 21-year-old Pavan Reddy (@pavan26) and Ali Raheman(@rahemanali) from Xi'an jiaotong University. Ali and Pavan said they chose to stay in Xi'an after graduation to continue their business.
Wang Yongkang's secretary of Beilin district after having spoken with Ali and Pavan , said he found the younger generation to be very interested ,"They have very good professional skills and are keen on creating their startups"
Modeling after famed global tech centers like Silicon Valley and Bangalore, Xi'an has taken advantage of its local resources in research and education to catapult itself as a prime destination for Startup and IT companies.
"The ancient city has the human resources it takes to contend with Silicon Valley and Bangalore to become a hub for technology and innovation" . "People are the first factor for the IT industry and it is the talent that makes things happen."
Xi'an is home to around 100 research institutes and more than 60 universities, including renowned science universities like Xi'an Jiaotong University and Xidian University. Drawing students from across the country, they help to form a large talent pool to feed the booming IT sector in the region.
"Keeping local talent and luring outside talent is key to the success of the IT industry for Xi'an," said Gong Min, founder of Beijing Linx-Tech Co., Ltd..
He suggested that there should be a synergy between colleges and startups to encourage innovative thinking and problem solving among college students.
In recent years, Xi'an has begun attracting major IT enterprises, including Huawei, Chinasoft International and ZTE, all of which have set up research and development operations in the city.
"One third of HSBC's global business has been bolstered by our center in Xi'an," said Cen Zhen, head of Chinasoft International's HSBC Business Line.
Chen Yuhong, executive chairman of the board of Chinasoft International Ltd., said, "Chinasoft International is working with other companies to help build Xi'an into China's 'Silicon Valley' and China's Bangalore. "
Chinasoft International is joined by Huawei and 31 other Fortune 500 companies, such as IBM, Samsung, Fujitsu and Intel, to have set up offices in Xi'an.
The Xi'an Software Park, part of the city's High-Tech Industries Development Zone, is an active promoter of IT investment.
Lyu Dongguo, director of the Xi'an Software Park Development Center, said many IT companies chose the park to start their ventures as it ticked all the boxes in terms of support infrastructure for their growth, an enviable pool of tech talents and low-cost commercial real estate.
In 2016, more than 2,000 companies in the park generated a combined 199.4 billion yuan in revenue and employed a total of 165,100 professionals. The figures are expected to grow to 500 billion yuan and 250,000 professionals by 2021.
Going even further to attract talents, Xi'an eased its international business registration rules since this year.
The new policy, considered the most important policy in China's history, grants permission for international talents and startups who are college graduates and willing to work, live or start a business in the city. The policy gives the IT professionals access to social welfare and other benefits.
"The policy will greatly fuel the IT industry in Xi'an, More graduates will choose to stay and work in the city."
Xi'an Software Park is also an active participant in a recent initiative to promote the city's IT industry, the Global Programmers' Festival.