Ancient capital rekindles Croatian couple's zest for life

Artist and actress wife inspired by Xi'an's history, culture and teaching roles

When Croatian artist Ivica Simic first arrived in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, in 2015, he was instantly enamored by the thousands of years of history on display in the city — embodied by its old city walls and world-famous imperial tombs — and embraced by its residents.

"The very roots of Chinese culture are here, and you can feel it from the earth and feel it so heavily here," he said of a city that was once the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties.

Simic trusted his instincts and decided to move to Xi'an with his wife, Vitomira Loncar, an actress and film producer. But her early impressions of the city were not favorable.