Xian

Xi'an is the undisputed root of Chinese civilization having served as the capital city for the Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, total 13 important dynasties, 73 emperors ruled here. Xi'an was known as Chang'an in ancient times and was already influencing the world outside of the Great Wall of China as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Here traders from far and wide brought goods and ideas for sale and took goods and ideas back with them to their native countries. Xi'an was not much of its former glory, due to China's constant warfare and political changes throughout the 20th Century.      

with a 3000-year history, Xi'an is on a par with Athens, Rome and Cairo. Today the city has a pleasant cosmopolitan flair to it and it is worth visiting for the famed Qin Terracotta Army Warriors and Horses, ancient royal tombs, city walls, pagodas, towers, temples, mosques, stele forest, pools, museums, remains, mountains, prehistoric village, cave dwellings, unique folk-customs, civilian workmanship and culture of the central plains of China.

Xian Cuisine, known as Qin Cuisine, is a unique combination of North and South Chinese culinary styles. Deep frying, stir frying, steaming, and braising are the general cooking styles and salt, vinegar, bell peppers, and garlic are added to create a savory flavor which combines sour, spicy, and fragrant flavors. The snacks of Xian as also quite well known and many visitors like to walk the streets visiting the small vendors selling different types of snacks

For the travelers, Xian has some incredible and unique shopping opportunities. Located around the Ancient Bell Tower, in the center of the ancient city is some of Xian best shopping boutiques and malls. Located behind the Ancient Drum Tower, the night market offers unique arts and handicrafts found only in Xian. The Shu Yuan Men, located next to the Ancient City Wall near the Forest of Steles is a road lined with traditional styled shops selling beautiful works of art.