Dearest friend,

      The news of your visit to China, especially to my beloved hometown, fills me with a joy that borders on ache. The thought of you walking those ancient streets, breathing in the history held within those Qin bricks and Han tiles, ignites a longing in my heart. Being so far away, I feel the weight of homesickness more keenly than ever.

      I often wonder why such a historically rich and culturally vibrant place sometimes seems to lag behind newer centers. Why does Xi'an, for example, not progress at the pace of a Shenzhen? Perhaps the very weight of our ancestors' achievements becomes a burden, hindering the embrace of new ideas. But if you look closely, you'll see that Chang'an's golden age was built on openness and freedom. Imagine those Tang Dynasty women in their flowing clothes, swinging and playing football – a style contrast to the constrained lives of women in later centuries. The rigid Confucian doctrines, while offering structure, also stifled creativity and progress.

      Xi'an presents a fascinating paradox: the imposing city walls, a symbol of containment, yet within them, the vibrant energy of Li Bai's poetry and the ancient murals bursts forth. It's a city best explored slowly, allowing its history to seep into your soul. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi'an, stands as a testament to Tang Sanzang's journey and the translation of scriptures. In autumn, its vastness evokes a melancholic beauty that words can scarcely capture.

      ......

With heartfelt wishes,

Wang Dong