"Xi'an" a Xi'an Travel Page by Mairo21

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The Bell Tower lit up at night.

It is said, that if you want to know 100 years history of China, go to Shanghai. If you want to know 1000 years history, go to Beijing. If you want to know 5000 years history of China, go to Xi'an.

Xi'an has served as a capitol to 11 dynasties over a period of 4000 years. It was from here, that China was unified by its first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi. This emperor is also known for the construction of a massive underground tomb, the construction of the life size terra cotta warriors, and for unifying the different parts of the wall to create the Great Wall as we know it today.

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View from inside the city wall looking out.

Xi'an was formerly known as Chang'an which can be translated as center or permanent piece. It was here, where China first opened it doors to the outside world, and it is here where the famed silk road began. At one time, Xi'an was known to be the largest and wealthiest city in the world. The 1st-13th dynasties resided here, in the city of Xi'an.

After the Tang dynasty, which was considered to be the most prosperous of all dynasties, most of the cities structures were destroyed by the military coups, upon which the city never recovered from.The best preserved wall in the world can be seen here. Unlike many other walls throughout China, the city wall has remained intact. It runs 9 miles long around the city square. Another interesting fact to know...there are no subway systems here, because it is believed that there are many undiscovered treasures lying beneath the city. Still waiting to be discovered, preserved within the dirt below.

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...and of course the city of Xi'an is famously known for the Terra Cotta Warriors. The ones I posed with are replicated, can be purchased, and shipped home.