Xi'an is a very important part in Chinese history. It served as the imperial capital for 12 ancient imperial dynasties from 11th century BC to 21st century. Xi'an not only was the cultural and political capital of China for hundreds of years, but also the beginning point of the Silk Road leading west.

 

Neolithic Times:
Xian’s history began in the late Neolithic times. The first inhabitants lived 7,000 years ago in late Neolithic times and settled the area near the Wei He, a branch of the Yellow River, in present day Xi'an.

 

Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC-771BC):
3,000 years ago, Western Zhou Dynasty found its capital in Haojing, today’s Xian. After the collapse of Western Zhou Dynasty in 771, Zhous moved their capital to Luoyang in Henan province.

 

Qin Dynasty (221 BC-206 BC):
In 221BC, Emperor Qinshihuang unified the country and established the first feudal system in China. He used Xianyang, near Xi'an, as the capital of his empire. Although this dynasty fallen soon, a great number of historical relics were left, for example, the so famous Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Until now, some traditions and cuisines from the Qin Dynasty are still kept by the Xian locals.

 

Han Dynasty (206 BC-220):
In 206BC, Qin Dynasty was replaced by Han Dynasty. Han built their new capital at Chang’an (the ancient name of Xi'an), just north of present-day Xi'an. The Han Dynasty saw the rise of the Silk Road, a great transcontinental route linking the Roman Empire in the West with the imperial court of China in the East. The ancient route started at Chang’an. The Hans later also moved their capital to Luoyang in Henan province, but Chang'an remained a prosperous city due to its economic importance but declined in political influence.

 

Sui Dynasty (581-618) and Tang Dynasty (618-907):
After the Han Dynasty, in 581, the Sui Dynasty was established. The Sui emperor began reviving Chang'an but it was the Tangs (618-907) who moved their capital back and established peace throughout China. The Silk Road trade flourished and Chang'an became a city of world-wide importance. Academics, students, traders and merchants from around the world visited Chang'an making it a cosmopolitan metropolis of its time. Chang'an was largely destroyed at the end of the Tang Dynasty in 904. Residences were forced to move to the new capital city in Luoyang. Only a small area in the city continued to be occupied after the destruction. After the Tang Dynasty fell in 907, Chang'an fell into decline. It remained a regional capital.

 

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644):
From the end of the Tang Dynasty, the Chang'an City has lost its top position gradually; however, it was still one of the vital prefectures in the later dynasties. In 1369 of the Ming Dynasty, Xi'an gained its current name officially. From the next year, the current Xi'an City Wall has been constructed.

 

Modern Xi'an
The local revolutionists pulled down the governance of the Qing Dynasty in Xi'an on October 22, 1911.
The national army led by Dr. Sun Yat-sun overthrew the reactionary warlord in Xi'an in 1925.
Some members of the Chinese Communist Party launched a military school in Xi'an, training a number of revolutionists in 1927.

Xi'an Incident took place in Xi'an on december 12, 1935. The Xi'an Incident brought the Communist Party of China and Kuomintang to a truce so the two forces could concentrate on fighting against Japan.

Xi'an City was liberated by the Chinese People's Liberation Arm on May 20, 1949y.
The People's Government of Xi'an City was launched on May 25, 1949.

 

Xi'an Today:
Now, as the capital of Shannxi province, Xi'an is the political, economic and cultural center in the northwest region of China. It is also a large tourist destination due to the draw of the astounding tomb of Emperor Qin and the Army of the Terracotta Warriors.