Xi'an Overview

Historically, Xian is known as Chang’an. Xian is the capital of Shaanxi province in People’s Republic of China and a sub-provincial city, with a long history of 3100 years. It is one of the four great ancient capitals of China and also one of the four major ancient civilization capitals of the world, the other threes (Athens, Cairo, and Rome). In Chinese history, Xian has served as the capitals of 13 dynasties including some of the most important dynasties, such as the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang Dynasty.

Xian is located in central of China. In the north lies the Weihe River and in the south lies the Qinling Mountains. As surrounded by both water and hills, it enjoys a favorable geographical location. It has a semi-moist monsoon climate, therefore, the four seasons there are distinctive. Except the colder winter, any season is relatively suitable for traveling.

As the capitals of 13 dynasties, Xian is the home to abundant relics and sites. The Qin Terra-cotta Army is honored as 'the eighth major miracle of the world'. Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is listed by UNESCO as the World Heritage Sites, and the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) is the largest and most intact city wall in China. 3,000 stone steles of different periods from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty are collected in the Forest of Stone Steles. In the city, there is the 3000 years old Banpo Village Remains from the Neolithic Age (approximately from 8000 BC to 5000 BC). Around Xian, the Famen Temple enjoys the reputation of being the 'forefather of pagodas and temples in Central Shaanxi,' because it holds the finger bones of Sakyamuni - the founder of Buddhism. The natural landscape around Xian is also marvelous. Mt.Huashan, one of the five best-known mountains in China, is famous for its breath-taking cliffs and its unique characteristics.

The area encircled by the City Wall was the traditional downtown Xian. This area has now been expanded to encompass the area within the second ring road. Geographically, the Bell Tower is the center of Xian and the four main streets, named Dong Dajie, Xi Dajie, Nan Dajie and Bei Dajie respectively, are also the main commercial streets. Xiao Zhai, the busiest commercial area, is located in the southern part of the city and is welcomed by both youths and students, because there are many universities located here. Shuyuan Men and the completed Luoma Shi, a market selling all kinds of things, are the must-visit pedestrian streets in the city. Xian is also famous for its quantity of colleges throughout China.
 
Xian has been rich in the delicious Shannxi snacks, so praised as 'the capital of table delicacies'. The spicy Sichuan Cuisine, delicate Guangdong Cuisine, various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies all are available in Xian. Moreover, there are a lot of shopping outlets for locals and tourists alike. There are many big shopping centers, department stores and supermarkets in and around Xian city - the biggest and most comprehensive being Kai Yuan Shopping Mall and Century Ginwa Shopping Mall.
 
The nightlife in Xian is very charming and fascinating. Traditional ways include enjoying the night scenery around the Bell Tower, taking part in a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, strolling on the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square and watching the music fountain performance. More modern and fashionable ways include singing in the KTV, hanging out in a bar, or dancing in a Disco. All in all, any experience in this ancient city will bring you fun and possibly a little surprise!

Xi'an Districts

Xi'an City has jurisdiction over 9 districts and 4 counties.

9 districts:
Beilin District
Yanta District
Weiyang District
Baqiao District
Xincheng District
Lianhu District
Chang’an District
Yanliang District
Lintong District

4 counties:
Lantian County
Zhouzhi County
Hu County
Gaoling County