Xi'an

Xi'an (Chinese: 西安 pinyin:Xī'ān) is the capital city of the Shaanxi Province in China. Its metropolitan area has a population of 6 million people in 2011.[1] This city is famous for the splendid Terracotta Army was found inside the tomb of Chinese first emperor Qin Shi Huang.[2]

西安
Chang'an · 長安
西安市
Xi'an montage.png
Location of Xi'an City jurisdiction in Shaanxi
Location of Xi'an City jurisdiction in Shaanxi
CountryPeople's Republic of China
ProvinceShaanxi
Government
 • CPC Xi'anSun Qingyun (孙清云)
 • MayorDong Jun (董军)
Area
 • Sub-provincial city9,983 km2 (3,854 sq mi)
 • Urban
826 km2 (319 sq mi)
 • Metro
3,830 km2 (1,480 sq mi)
 • Yangling94 km2 (36 sq mi)
Elevation
405 m (1,329 ft)
Population
 (2010 census)
 • Sub-provincial city8,467,837
 • Density848.23/km2 (2,196.89/sq mi)
 • Urban
6,501,200
 • Urban density7,871/km2 (20,385/sq mi)
 • Metro
7,168,005
Time zoneUTC+8 (CST)
Postal code
710000 - 710090
GDP(2010)
- Total¥ 324.1 billion
- Per capita¥26,259
License plate prefixesA
City flowerPomegranate flower
City treePagoda tree
Websitehttp://www.xa.gov.cn/

History

In past China, it was the capital of 13 dynasties, including the Zhou Dynasty, the Qin Dynasty, the Han Dynasty, the Sui Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty. It was the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road[3] and was commercial hub linked to home of silk production city Suzhou and Hangzhou. Xi'an is regarded as one of the most oldest capitals in the world history together with the other three Athens, Rome and Cairo.

Name

Xi'an was called Chang'an in ancient times. In Classical Chinese it literally means "Perpetual Peace". But from 9 AD-23 AD, during the Xin Dynasty, it was renamed "Constant Peace" (it is said the same way). By the time of the Ming Dynasty it had been named Xi'an (which means "Western Peace"). It was named Xi'an because was in the western part of the Ming Empire.

Political divisions

Map of Xi'an political divisions

Xi'an Municipality is divided into 10 districts and 3 counties.

Culture

Xian's profound culture is featured by many kind of traditional festivals, handicrafts and more ethnic flavor.

  • Yango - Popular rural folk dance
  • Qinqiang - Shaanxi local opera
  • Shaanxi Shadow Play
  • Fengxiang Clay Figurines

Tourism

As ancient capital, Xian's rich history is reflectey by the relic of Chinese dynasties such as ancient emperor story, imperial tombs, palace legends in the Qin, Han and Tang Dynasty. The following attractions is top among them.

  • Banpo Neolithic Village
  • Terracotta Army & Warriors
  • Xian Ancient City Wall
  • Bell & Drum tower
  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Hanyangling Mausoleum


References

  1. "About Xian -- Xian introdution, sightsiing, tour, tour package, hotel reservation, shopping and cuisine". www.sinohotelguide.com.
  2. http://www.accesschinatravel.com/travel-guide-to-xian.html
  3. "The Silk Road China Travel Maps, Tourist Map of Silk Road China, The Silk Road China". www.thesilkroadchina.com.