| The capital of the Shaanxi Province, Xian is the | | | | destination for those who are interested in |
| north-west China's largest city, and is situated | | | | exploring the ancient civilization of the country as |
| south of the Guanzhong Plain. Known as Chang'an | | | | well as its history and culture. |
| in ancient times, Xian finds a prominent place in | | | | The greatest of the attraction in Xian is perhaps |
| the Chinese history, and was once the economic, | | | | the Xian City Wall, which was erected by the |
| cultural, political, and transportation center of the | | | | emperor Zhu Yuanzhang during the period of Ming |
| country. | | | | dynasty. The City Wall was actually erected to |
| Xian served as the capital of more than ten | | | | widen the wall that was built during the reign of |
| ancient regal dynasties and that too for a period | | | | Tang Dynasty. This is regarded as the country's |
| spanning from 1000 BC to 1000 AD. The history | | | | best preserved city wall and is the world's largest |
| of the city dates back to about 3,000 years ago | | | | ancient military defensive system. |
| when the western Zhou Dynasty made the city | | | | Another great attraction in the city is Xian Bell |
| as its capital, which was then known as Haojing. | | | | Tower and Drum Tower, which was built during |
| The western Zhou Dynasty flourished and was | | | | the period of the Ming Dynasty. No visit to Xian |
| much famed for its bronze, of which some of | | | | would be complete without taking a tour to the |
| now forms part of the Shaanxi provincial Museum. | | | | Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which consists of three |
| But, the reign of the Western Zhou Dynasty | | | | classifications such as Big Wild Goose Pagoda - |
| came to an end in 771 BC when the Barbarians | | | | rising up to a height of 65 meters with seven |
| invaded the dynasty. | | | | stories; North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, |
| Later, the Eastern Zhou Dynasty made Luoyang | | | | which is credited to be Asia's biggest fountain |
| as its capital. In 221BC, the country was unified | | | | square; and Da Ci'en Temple, within which the Bell |
| under the control of the emperor Qinshihuang, | | | | Tower and the Drum Tower are housed, apart |
| who made Xiangyang as its capital and laid a | | | | from a range of other richly adorned attractions |
| strong foundation for the feudal society. But, the | | | | like Sermon Hall, the Hall of Mahavira, and the Hall |
| rule of Qin was taken over by Han, who ruled | | | | of Xuanzang Sanzang. |
| Xian from 206 BC to 220 AD, during which the | | | | Other not to miss attractions in the city are |
| city became prosperous. It was during this period | | | | Terra-cotta Army Museum, whose focal point is |
| the renowned Silk Road - a prominent trade route | | | | terra cotta warrior lined in a real battle formation; |
| connecting the ancient country with the central | | | | Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, a museum of |
| Asian as well as European nations, was | | | | the national level which has on display more than |
| established. | | | | 110,000 artifacts; Xian Famen Temple, an exciting |
| The city further gained much recognition during | | | | shrine with an interesting history; Xian Great |
| the reign of Tang Dynasty, during which Xian | | | | Mosque, a grand mosque which was once a |
| became one of the international cities of the time. | | | | prominent religious center of Arab merchants in |
| However, Xian began to decline after the fall of | | | | the country and now serves more than 50000 |
| the Tang Dynasty. Apart from these aforesaid | | | | Chinese Muslims in the area. |
| dynasties, Xian was also the capital of such | | | | Forest of Stone Steles Museum, boasting of |
| dynasties as the Xihan, Xinmang, Western Jin, | | | | largest collection of steles in the country; Banpo |
| Former Zhao, pre-Qin, post-Qin, Western Wei, | | | | Neolithic Village Museum, where you can find the |
| Northern Zhou, and Sui. | | | | remains of Neolithic people; and Xian Huaqing Hot |
| With centuries old history, rich archeological | | | | Springs. When comes to activities, visitors to Xian |
| findings, and treasure trove of cultural relics, Xian | | | | can enjoy a range of activities from shopping to |
| is acknowledged as the 'Cradle of Chinese | | | | dining. |
| Civilization,' and has now become a well-known | | | | With these superb varieties of attractions, it is no |
| tourist city. Taking a tour to Xian is just like | | | | wonder why people from across the world flock |
| walking through more than 5000 years old | | | | to this amazing destination. |
| Chinese history. In fact, Xian is a must-see | | | | |