Often considered the cradle of Chinese civilization, Xi'an is one of the oldest and most influential cities in China's grandiose history. In its more than 3,100 year history, Xi'an has been the capital of 13 dynasties, was the Eastern terminus of the great Silk Road and the earliest link between China and the West, was the economic, political and cultural center of China during the formative and influential Qin, Han and Tang dynasties, and has served as a focal point for the development of both Buddhism and Daoism in China.  It is no surprise that Xi'an is home to numerous historical sites and countless cultural and religious artifacts. 

One cannot mention Xi'an without making note of the legendary Terracotta Warriors, an army of 6000 life-sized clay warriors standing watch over the mausoleum of the first emperor of China.  Other must-sees include the immense Ming Dynasty city walls, the most intact city walls in the world, measuring up to 18 meters thick in some places; the Great Mosque, one of the largest in China, incorporating a fascinating blend of Chinese and Muslim influences; and the Muslim Quarter, home to the city's Muslim minority (the hui) and where one can find numerous smaller mosques and even an Islamic food market. 

With no scarcity of fascinating places to visit and things to see, Xi'an also has an almost overwhelming collection of royal palaces, national parks, museums, temples and shrines.  Six of the eight Buddhist Founder's Temples can be found in Xi'an. Hua Shan, one of the five sacred mountains in Taoism, can be found just south of the city in the Qinling mountains.

Fast forward to the 21st century where Xi'an has resurfaced as a cultural, industrial and technological hub, laying claim to a flourishing software industry, a growing community of cutting edge artists, musicians and architects, a plethora of shopping malls, and the world's largest internet bar with more than 3000 computers. 

The city is the birthplace of Qinqiang, the oldest form of Chinese drama which has influenced many other styles, including Peking Opera. Xi'an has also emerged as a focal point for various new art forms.  The Chang'an School, a modern school of Chinese traditional arts, finds its home here, as does the contemporary art factory Spinning Town.  Known also for its underground music scene, Xi'an is famous for spinning out rock stars.

As a city both steeped in a rich historical legacy and simultaneously making its footprint in a modern context, Xi'an may appeal to both the history buff and the techie, the scholar and the tourist, the artist and the business person.  Regardless of where your interests lie, Xi'an is sure to have what you are looking for.

  
Xi'an Jiaotong University