Xian, traditionally called Changan, is the provincial capital of Shaanxi in China. Xian is one of four world ancient capitals (the other three are Ath

Xian, traditionally called Changan, is the provincial capital of Shaanxi in China. Xian is one of four world ancient capitals (the other three are Athens, Roma and Cairo). As the 13-dynasty capital for more than 1100 years from the 11th century BC to the 10th century AD, Xian was the national center of China's politics, economy and culture. Xian is one of 15 assistant provincial-level cities in China and one of core cities of 9 regions in China.

Xian is a world-renowned city in history and culture. Xian is also the important center base of China's scientific research, higher education, defense technology industry, and high-tech industry in China's western regions. Surely, Xian is also China's important industrial centre of the aerospace, machinery manufacturing and textile industry. Xian has the stronger industrial foundation. It is one of the mega-cities with strongest power in science and technology. Xian also has the complete industrial categories.

Geography and Climate

The north area of Xian is Loess Plateau and the north mountain chain constituted of Liang Mountain, Yaowang Mountain, Huanglong Mountain and Long Mountain. This range is over against Qinling range. These two ranges together become the natural barrier to surround Guanzhong Plain. TheWeihe River, the largest branch of the Yellow River, crosses Guanzhong Plain. Xian has the semi-humid and sub-temperate monsoon climate with moderate rainfall and four distinct seasons annually. Its coldest month is January and the hottest month is July.

Economy

In the layout of China's economic zone, Xian plays a bridge role in east and west. It has the important strategic function in the policy of Development of the West Regions. Three aspects of Xian in development thoroughly show its strong points: the rich world-class sightseeing resources, the national base of China's scientific research and hi-tech industry and the regional terminal of traffic and communication. Via deepening the reform and broadening opening policies, Xian now become the important inland open city. It is the largest business and trade center in west China.

In China's Han and Tang Dynasties, Xian was an international leading mega-city with a population of more than 1000,000. At that time Xian was the global metropolis as the international center of politics, economy, culture and diplomacy. There is saying going like this: in the world, the west is Rome and the east is Changan. Xian is another starting point of Silk Road except Luoyang. Xian Ancient City Wall is the most magnificent ancient wall all round the world. It is also preserved best in the world.

As the cradle of Chinese civilization, the time-honored Xian has most charm and attraction in culture and history. It is the one of first group famous cities in culture and history announced by China's central government. The local citizens summarize the local-lifestyles and folk-customs into ten strange things. There is a stele recording eight sceneries in the pass of the Qing Dynasty in Xian Stele exhibition. Qinqiang, as the famous local drama popularizing in the west, especially in Shaanxi Province, is widely welcomed in folk community. It is the oldest, richest and biggest drama system in China's four melodious voices of drama. Xian's dialect or accent is typically different from mandarin. It is unique.

Xian is also famous for its cuisine, especially its snacks with the highlighted features of western regions in China. The food served in Xian is generousness in quantity and cheapness in price. The cuisine of Xian is also characterized of Hui nationality. There is a famous street called Hui Street located in the downtown. The food in this street is diversified and multi-selected. But you can not mention the pork in restaurants. That is ataboo in their religion. There is another attraction is shadow-play originated from the time before Han Dynasty. The world-famous Terra-Cotta Warriors, the Ancient City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda, Qian Tomb, and Xian Historical Museum and so on could lead us to a world full of surprise and amazement. The heritages, antiques, sites, relics and ancient buildings will all attract your eyes forever.

Education

Xian is one of China's most advanced cities in higher education. The number of the students is more than any other cities in China except Beijing and Shanghai. Averagely, there is one person in six people receiving higher education for bachelor degree and above. Xian in higher education is ranked the first place in the west region.