Xi'an YMCA

The terra-cotta warriors are the first things most people think of when they think of Xi'an, and they are an impressive sight

Xi’an:

Have you ever wondered why some Chinese place names are written with an apostrophe in the written version of the name? The reason is to let the reader know how to pronounce it. Each Chinese character represents one syllable, and "xian" can be pronounced as one character, so the apostrophe makes it clear that the name of the city consists of two characters, ‘xi’ and ‘an.’ Xi’an literally means western peace. Xi’an is a historic city and probably ranks second only to Beijing as a city of great significance in a country full of significant historical sites. The first capital city of a unified China was located near here, in 221 BC. Of course, Chinese history goes back much further than this, but this was the first time a ruler was strong enough to conquer all the other regional kingdoms and to create the nation which came to be known as China.

In modern times, Xi’an has become known worldwide because of the discovery, in the 1970s, of the long-buried terracotta soldiers, a part of the tomb of the first emperor. Today, Xi’an is both a modern city, bustling with business and commerce, and a tourist haven for Chinese and foreign visitors by the hundreds of thousands who come each year to see the terracotta soldiers and other historic sites.

I first went to Xi'an in 1988 on a Lottie Moon tour, then again in 1993 while sightseeing with a Chinese friend, but in May, 2002, I visited the YMCA there to prepare the way for two Virginia Baptist college students who were to work with the YMCA in Xi’an to provide a program of oral English practice and activities. This project was conducted in summer, 2002 and was repeated in 2004 and in 2005. Beginning in 2006, First Baptist Richmond began conducting basketball clinics in cooperation with the YMCA, and again in 2007, 2008, and 2011.
The YMCA is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to modern shops, Internet centers, McDonalds and KFC, and the ancient bell and drum towers, all within walking distance. Following are some scenes of the area near the YMCA.


Following are stories of activities with Xi'an YMCA, click on each one for the story and photos:

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Xi'an YMCA celebrates 100 years of service
Xi'an YMCA celebrates 100 years of service

In October, 2014, I attended the 100th anniversary celebration of the Xi'an YMCA. I had been involved with the Xi'an YMCA since 2002, when I helped arrange for two college students to come during that summer to conduct English classes arranged by the 'Y.' The celebration included a tour of an architectural museum made up of ancient structures moved to Xi'an and reassembled into a touring park.

Basketball clinics continue, summers 2008 and 2011
Basketball clinics continue, summers 2008 and 2011

In addition to the Beijing Olympics in the summer of 2008, Xi'an YMCA held their  third annual basketball clinics for dozens of Chinese children and youth. These participants played as hard as if they were competing in the Olympics and no doubt had just as much fun. Then, after a gap of two years, in 2011, there was one more basketball clinic. This time, the venue changed, with a different court, including some that were outdoors. Another difference was that some American teenaged basketball players had come to lend their skills to the project.

More basketball in 2007
More basketball in 2007

The basketball clinics continued in 2007. The program got off to a great start. They had anticipated about 60 participants, but found nearly 90 young people, both boys and girls, ranging in age from about 10-17, divided into four groups by age. Last year, the group had had two female coaches so the girls were in a separate group, but this year, they were just mixed in. They seemed to hold their own.

Basketballs bounce in Xi'an
Basketballs bounce in Xi'an

Beginning in 2006, First Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, brought a team of basketball coaches to Xi'an to institute a new program for the Xi'an YMCA. They conducted a basketball clinic for children and youth, both boys and girls. The drills and tips on playing basketball thrilled the young people. Other than table tennis, basketball is almost certainly the most common sport played in China by groups of children and youth on any available playground. The program continued in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011. 

College students nurture friendship
College students nurture friendship

College students from Virginia Baptist Mission Board (VBMB) conducted English activities in summers of 2004 and 2005 in cooperation with Xi'an YMCA. The benefits of such activities are many: Chinese children had a chance to practice speaking English and to learn more about American culture; the Americans had the joy of seeing smiles of success on the faces of their students and also gained cross-cultural experience, All of this enhanced the work of the Xi'an YMCA.

Abby and Sarah launched our years-long friendship with Xi'an YMCA
Abby and Sarah launched our years-long friendship with Xi'an YMCA

In the summer of 2002, Abby and Sarah were our first volunteers with Xi'an YMCA. They spent five weeks conducting English activities for Chinese student, while also learning a lot about Chinese history and culture.