Location
Xi'an, China
Xi’an is the city and capital of Shaanxi Sheng (province), in north-central China. It is located in the south-central part of the province, at the southern limit of the Loess Plateau.
Known as Chang'an in ancient times, Xi'an is one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation and oriental civilization. The Xi’an region is one of the most important in the history of China, both as the capital of several ruling dynasties and as a market and trade center. Xi’an was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected China with the Mediterranean. It has a history of over 3,100 years as a city and over 1,100 years as a national capital, serving as the capital for 13 dynasties.
Xi'an governs 11 districts (Xinchen, Beilin, Lianhu, Baqiao, Weiyang, Yanta, Yanliang, Lintong, Chang'an, Gaoling, and Huyi), two counties (Lantian and Zhouzhi), and seven national and provincial key development zones, and hosts a national new area (Xixian New Area).
Famous for the city’s many historical monuments and a plethora of ancient ruins and tombs in the vicinity, Xi'an region is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Located in the city is the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, housed in a former Confucian temple; it is noted for its Forest of Stelae, an important collection of inscribed stelae and Buddhist sculptures. The Shaanxi History Museum preserves artifacts and art objects spanning Chinese history from Paleolithic times through the Qing dynasty. Other sites of interest in the city include the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Temple of Great Good Will, all constructed during the Tang dynasty; the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, built during Ming times; the Great Mosque, founded in 742, its existing buildings dating from the 14th century; and three well-preserved 14th-century city gates in the wall that surrounds the old city.
Xi'an has been named National Sanitary City, National Garden City, China's Best Image City, China's Best International Image City, China's Happiest City, and China Civilized City.
Source: http://en.xa.gov.cn/; https://www.britannica.com/place/Xian-China
