Xi'an, Millenary capital city in Shaanxi, China.
Description
Xi'an is a major city in Shaanxi Province in central China, situated on the Guanzhong Plain between the Wei River to the north and the Qinling Mountains to the south. The city today comprises eleven urban districts and two counties, covering an area exceeding 10,000 square kilometers (3,900 square miles) and connected by a metro network and several ring roads.
History
The city served as the capital for thirteen Chinese dynasties over more than one thousand years, including the Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang. During the Tang period, it grew into one of the largest metropolises in the world and functioned as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road.
Culture
Many locals start their day with breakfast in street eateries, often eating yangroupaomo, a mutton stew mixed with hand-torn flatbread. In the evening, residents of all ages gather in public squares to dance, play cards, or simply chat about daily life.
Practical
The city has an international airport, a large metro system with multiple lines, and hotels in every price range. Visiting is possible throughout the year, though spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures and less rain.
Did you know?
The street layout still follows the grid pattern from the Tang period, with the Bell Tower marking the exact center of the old capital. Underground, several metro lines run beneath the streets, frequently redirected during construction due to archaeological finds.
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Terracotta Army
33.4 km
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
31.6 km
Chinese pyramids
35.3 km
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
4.9 km
Great Mosque of Xi'an
571 m
Epang Palace
12.3 km
Qianling Mausoleum
75 km
Daming Palace
3.7 km
Famen Temple
97.4 km
Qianling Wordless Stele
75.4 km
Nestorian Stele
36.9 km
Fortifications of Xi'an
549 m
Weiyang Palace
9.2 km
Zhao Mausoleum
59 kmMount Li
31.8 kmShangchen
50.2 km
Bell Tower of Xi'an
18 m
Haojing
18 km
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
2.3 km
Qinglong Temple
4.9 km
Stele Forest
813 m
Daqin Pagoda
63.8 km
Maoling
35.3 km
Shaanxi History Museum
4.1 km
Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge
66.2 km
Han Yang Ling
20.3 km
Drum Tower of Xi'an
312 mTaiji Palace
2 km
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