Host Community Information
As documented in ancient writings, China's history dates back some 3,300 years. Modern archaeological studies provide evidence of still more ancient origins in a culture that flourished between 2500 and 2000 B.C. in what is now central China and the lower Huang He. What makes the civilization unique in world history is its continuity over 4,000 years to the present century.
"To understand China, you must travel to Xi'an," contends Sino-American Society President An Wei, Global Volunteer's host in China. Xi'an has hosted Global Volunteers teams since 1996.
Perhaps it's because Xi'an perches on layers of ancient cities of different names, surrounded by fertile farmland renewed yearly by the silt from the Yellow River. The Qin Dynasty - the first to unite all of China under one empire - was founded in Xi'an (then called Chang'an) in the third century BC. Long-lasting legacies included the first standard system of currency and written language.
Until recent decades, China was a country of walled cities. Most were torn down to make way for urban expansion during the Cultural Revolution. Xi'an, however, is one of the few cities where the exterior wall remains, and is used as the backdrop for high-level contemporary political and cultural gatherings.
The village of An Shang in Shaanxi Province is also an unparalleled place to witness the transition of history to modern day in China. Until only recently, China's rural villages were closed to Westerners. When you volunteer in China with Global Volunteers, you will have a first-hand look into the political, social and cultural changes in the countryside. Part of the educational component of each international volunteer team in China is the informed insight of host representative An Wei and other local experts. A government official and English translator, An Wei is uniquely qualified to offer perspectives on topics ranging from ancient history to social developments in rural and urban China.
