Millennium Splendor of Hexi Metropolis

Hexi Metropolis: Traversing the Flourishing Han and Tang Dynasties, Revitalized in the Pearl of the Silk Road

Where the mighty Han army marched, the sons of the Han dynasty commanded awe across the world; under the prosperous Tang dynasty, fine grape wine and luminous cups were enjoyed. This grand historical panorama is gradually unfolding in Hexi Metropolis.
When Huo Qubing’s iron cavalry shattered the silence of the Hexi Corridor, the millennium-long legend of the four Hexi commanderies began. Today’s Hexi Metropolis, located in the Leitai Han Tomb Scenic Area, is the most dazzling cultural and tourism complex in Longyuan, integrating heritage protection, sightseeing, cultural display, and leisure entertainment.

“See the prosperity of the Tang in Xi’an, the wealth of the Song in Hangzhou, the strength of the Han in Wuwei.” As the successor to the “Guzang” city of the Sixteen Kingdoms period, Hexi Metropolis was once the foremost of the four Hexi commanderies, rivaling Jiankang (Nanjing), and was known as the “Hexi Metropolis.”

01 Historical Heritage, a Concentrated Display of Hexi Culture

Hexi Metropolis did not emerge out of nowhere; it carries the three-thousand-year historical and cultural accumulation of Wuwei (ancient Liangzhou). During the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, Liangzhou (Wuwei) was ranked alongside Luoyang and Yangzhou as one of the three great ancient Chinese cities. Historians even praised Wuwei as a “super city surpassing Chang’an.”

This is the birthplace of the “Liangzhou Ci” (Liangzhou Lyrics). During the Tang dynasty, Governor Guo Zhiyun presented the Liangzhou musical scores, inspiring many famous poets to compose lyrics. Since the establishment of the commandery in the Han dynasty, the bravery of the Xiongnu, the boldness of the Xianbei, the mystery of the Tubo, and the rites and laws of the Central Plains have all intertwined here.

Within the Hexi Metropolis scenic area, the Han Fu Pavilion, Tianma Song Pavilion, Liangzhou Ci Pavilion, Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, China Wine City Exhibition Hall, and Xiliang Grand Theater are arranged in an orderly manner, gradually revealing themselves. Each venue is a perfect blend of history and modernity, allowing visitors to experience the splendor of the Han and Tang dynasties during their tour.

02 Immersive Experience, Innovative Practice of Cultural and Tourism Integration

The innovation of Hexi Metropolis lies in transforming static historical culture into perceivable, experiential immersive interactions. The scenic area features the “Liangzhou Twenty-Four” special performance activities, showcasing traditional culture through parade performances, dance shows, situational acting, interactive games, and immersive flash performances.

The large-scale historical musical drama “Tianma Xing” is staged at the Xiliang Grand Theater and has become a must-see for visitors. This drama narrates the stories of “Juanli” and “Linluan,” the heavenly horse and the dragon sparrow, the Han and the Xiongnu, homeland and grudges. In this immersive experience, one seems to see the young Huo Qubing’s iron hooves crossing Hexi, his long sword breaking the Xiongnu.

In the summer of 2025, Hexi Metropolis will launch the “Fun Summer Without Thinking of the Heat” themed event, including water flying man cannon shows, flower boat parade season, global circus carnival, and golden hits concerts. These four major themed activities integrate intangible cultural heritage inheritance, international performances, and national trend experiences, creating an immersive Silk Road cultural journey for visitors.

03 Modern Technology Empowering New Expressions of Traditional Culture

Respecting history, Hexi Metropolis boldly applies modern technology to breathe new life into ancient culture. The scenic area uses light shows, water screen movies, drone performances, and other modern technologies to create a stunning audiovisual experience for visitors.

Especially notable is the “Water Charm Flying Swallow Fireworks on the Lake” water flying man cannon show, staged on Feiyan Lake. Through water flying man stunts, it perfectly combines extreme sports with fireworks art. This blend of ancient and modern performance not only showcases the power of modern technology but also retains the depth of historical culture.

Inside the five major venues, summer-themed atmosphere decorations and interactive games such as watermelon ring toss and sandbag throwing offer fun for all ages, filling the park with coolness and laughter throughout the visit. When the sandbag hits the historical target in the Liangzhou Ci Pavilion, and the fragrance of fruits and wine blends in the Wine City, Hexi Metropolis is reshaping the Silk Road cultural tourism experience with “tangible culture.”

04 Strategic Positioning, an Innovative Benchmark for Silk Road Cultural Tourism

Hexi Metropolis has a clear positioning: to build a cultural and tourism complex integrating heritage protection, sightseeing, cultural display, and leisure entertainment. This strategic positioning meets modern tourists’ dual needs for deep cultural experiences and leisure entertainment.

The scenic area places special emphasis on the integration of culture, history, and natural experiences, covering not only the traditional tourism elements of “food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment” but also emphasizing the modern tourism elements of “culture, history, and geography.” This comprehensive layout makes Hexi Metropolis different from traditional tourist sites, becoming a three-dimensional cultural experience space.

The construction and operation of Hexi Metropolis reflect the state-owned enterprise’s commitment to local history, culture, and economy. The investment and development by the Public Aviation and Tourism Group not only have commercial value but also embody a heartfelt tribute to their hometown.

Standing on the open-air balcony of Jinling Hotel, overlooking Liangzhou Botanical Garden, the Ferris wheel, and Tianma Lake, one can feel the collision of history and reality. A visitor remarked, “Walking in ‘Hexi Metropolis’ feels like walking in a brand-new yet familiar big city, with advanced design concepts, rich cultural heritage, distinct Liangzhou symbols, and warm humanistic care.”

The key to Hexi Metropolis’s success lies in not simply replicating history but making history tangible, perceptible, and experiential. When the sandbag hits the historical target in the Liangzhou Ci Pavilion, and the fragrance of fruits and wine blends in the Wine City, Hexi Metropolis is reshaping the Silk Road cultural tourism experience with “tangible culture.”

This pearl of the Silk Road is welcoming guests from all directions with a brand-new posture, allowing the millennium-old prosperity of the Han and Tang dynasties to revive vibrantly in the present day.