Xi’an

Xi’an has served as capital to 11 dynasties over a period of 4,000 years.

Capital of modern Shan’xi, Xi’an has served as capital to 11 dynasties over a period of 4,000 years, including the Western Zhou, Western Han, Qin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui and Tang. Xi’an peaked during the Tang Dynasty, when its position at the eastern end of the Silk Road transformed it into a bustling metropolis, luring foreign merchants and faiths, including Nestorian Christians, Muslims, Zoroastrians, Manicheans, and the Buddhists. The city declined later but has some splendid sights and a thriving tourist economy.

Today Xi’an is one of China’s major tourist attractions. The big drawcard is the Army of Terra-cotta Warriors, but there are countless other sites scattered in and around the city. There is also an Islamic element to Xi’an.

 

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