The modernization process and transformation of the space of old town of Xi’an: a historical research on the Xijing construction (1932–1945)

In 1932, Xi’an was designated as the auxiliary capital and renamed “Xijing” initiated a period of swift urban development, now recognized as the “Xijing Construction Period” in academia. During this era, authorities, along with relevant planners and engineers executed a series of construction activities in Xi’an, including road construction, new urban area development, zoning planning, and the preservation of urban heritage, thereby adding a modern touch into the city’s ancient and traditional Chinese fabric. “Xijing Construction” is an important part for understanding the modernization process of Xi’an’s urban space. By reviewing of local history books and newspapers, this paper delineates the specific timeline, process, and content of the construction period. It further interprets the changes of Xi’an’s old town space through the redrawing of historical maps, illustrating how traditional urban space transitioned from being confined to expanding and connecting beyond the city walls. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion on the evolution of the old city area’s urban function distribution and its ongoing influence on Xi’an’s current urban form.