Heritage of time

Indeed, evidence of this shared past is woven into the fabric of both cities. Xingjiao Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a lasting testament to Yuance's legacy in the city. Throughout Gyeongju, one can still find remnants and influences of Tang culture at numerous historical sites. According to a UNESCO webpage introducing Gyeongju, Chang'an, which was designed during the Sui Dynasty (581-618) and prospered in the Tang Dynasty, provided a model for the Silla Kingdom.

With this background, Shaanxi History Museum and Gyeongju National Museum forged a sister-museum partnership. Liu Peng, an official at Shaanxi History Museum, said that when his museum leadership first met its counterparts from Gyeongju, they felt an immediate kinship.

"Both sides found our museums strikingly similar. Gyeongju is an ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, and our city, Xi'an, is also a historic ancient capital. Both museums are leading institutions in their nations, and both sides are interested in collaboration and exchanges related to cultural relic protection and research," Liu said.

"With a shared, strong desire to become sister museums, we signed a Sister Institution Exchange Agreement in 2002. Since then we have maintained regular exchanges and cooperation in artifact conservation, exhibitions and academic research."