Xi'an is the natural starting point for most foreign companies. It hosts a well-developed industrial and research environment, and the surrounding development zones — including the Xi'an High-tech Industrial Development Zone and the Xi'an Economic and Technological Development Zone — are commonly used by manufacturers, electronics firms and R&D-oriented businesses.
Beyond the capital, cities such as Baoji (advanced manufacturing and machining) and Xianyang (close to Xi'an, with industrial and logistics activity) are relevant for companies that need a production or warehousing footprint. For logistics and distribution, Xi'an's role as a rail and road hub in western China is often part of the business case.
Because Shaanxi is a mainland province, foreign investment is generally structured through mainland company forms — a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE), a joint venture, or a representative office — subject to the applicable national and local rules at the time of registration.
Aerospace
Electronics
Advanced manufacturing
Education & research
Logistics