Geographic coordinates: E108°55′   N34°15′

Population: 8.3752m (2008)

Area: 1,383 sq mi

Average altitude: 1,352ft

Average temperature: 60℉ 

Annual rainfall: 24in

IDD: 86 – 029

A saying describes the unique position of this legendary city: "If you want to see China of 100 years of history, visit Shanghai; 500 years of history, Beijing; over 2000 years of history, go to Xian".

Known as the cradle of Chinese civilization, Xian is now the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China as well.

Called Changan, ever long peace, in Han & Tang Dynasties, Xian was not until the prosperous Han Dynasty that Changan became famous both at home and abroad as the largest and busiest international metropolis of that age in the world. It is listed on top of the six ancient capitals in China. From 11 century B.C. onwards, Xian or its vicinity was established as the capital city by 11 dynasties successively, mainly were Western Zhou, Qin, Western Han, Sui and Tang. During the Tang Dynasty, it linked many central Asian regions and Europe via the Silk Road, with thousands of foreign traders living the city. 

Xian, the eternal city, records the great changes of the Chinese nation just like a living history book. It says: “Every piece of stone here tells a vivid story.” Or “if you start to dig in Xian, no matter in or out the town, you would find something underground.” Xian was the starting point of the world-famous Silk Road. It can be well likened to a history museum. Moving around this old city is like going through thousands of years back in time. In this vast museum you will see the Banpo Village Remains of a matriarchal community; the Huaqing Hot Springs which was noted as early as the Zhou Dynasty more than 3,000 years back; Qin Shihuang's terra-cotta warriors and horses, known as the eighth wonder of the world; the imperial cemetery grounds of the Han and Tang dynasties; the Great Mosque with unique features; the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty; the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower of the Ming Dynasty; and the Forest of Steles with a rich collection of age-old stone steles.

Through fifty years development, Xian has already set up sordid industry basement in certain areas. Aviation, aerospace, electronics, machinery, communications, instruments and meters, and electric power are typical industry in Xian. In some of these areas, the industries in Xian has not only reached the top level in China, but also has equaled to the world advance level.

Xian is powerful in terms of its scientific and technological strength, the comprehensive strength ranks second in China. Xian boasts 727 scientific research institutions; technical personnel constitute 26.4% of the total working staff in Xian. The proportion of technical personnel in Xian is the highest in China. There are 48 institutions of higher learning. A batch of advanced experimental bases and testing centers has the capability of assimilate, digest and transfer state-level and world-level technologies. The applied technologies in the fields of aeronautics, aerospace, mechanics, electronics, meter and instrument, optics, textile and power equipment are in the leading position in China. Xian is one of the important scientific research and higher education bases in China.

The cultural and historical significance of Xian, as well as the abundant relics and sites, help Shaanxi Provence enjoy the laudatory title of ‘Natural History Museum‘. The Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is praised as ‘the eighth wonders of the world‘, Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di is listed on the World Heritage List in 1987 by UNESCO, and the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) is the largest and most intact Ming Dynasty castle in the world. In the city, there is the 6,000 years old Banpo Matriarchal Village Remains from the Neolithic Age (approximately from 8000 BC to 5000 BC), and the Forest of Stone Steles that holds about 3,000 stone steles of different periods,  ranges from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Around Xian, the Famen Temple enjoys the reputation of being the “forefather of pagodas and temples in Central Shaanxi,” because it holds the relics of finger bones of Sakyamuni -- the founder of Buddhism. The natural landscape around Xian is also marvelous Mt. Huashan one of the five sacred mountains of Chinese Taoism, is famous for its breath-taking cliffs and its unique characteristics.  

Attractions

Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses   Banpo Museum   Bell Tower   Big Wild Goose Pagoda   City Wall   Drum Tower   Forest of Stone Steles Museum   Great Mosque   Shaanxi Historical Museum   Xian Museum   Huaqing Hot Spring   Small Wild Goose Pagoda   Tang Paradise   Qianling Mausoleum   Tomb of Prince Yide   Tomb of Prince Zhanghuai   Tomb of Princess Yongtai   Famen Temple