Modern connections

Over the past three decades, collaboration between Xi'an and Gyeongju has expanded beyond historical artifacts research to encompass trade, education and professional training.

Zhang of the Xi'an Municipal People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries said the two cities have pioneered exchanges between government employees, with Xi'an officials traveling to Gyeongju for administrative training programs, and Gyeongju staff members taking part in Chinese-language courses held by Xi'an.

On the economic front, Xi'an plans to explore collaboration opportunities in emerging fields such as digital cultural tourism, green energy and tech-enabled wellness, Zhang said.

"Our aim is to merge Xi'an's technological prowess with Gyeongju's unique strengths, elevating our sister-city ties into a powerful driver of new productive forces for both regions."