Xian, located in central-northwest China was once called Chang'an in ancient times. As the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, Xian has won a reputation all over the world. More than 3,000 years of history including over 1,100 years as the capital city of ancient dynasties, have endowed Xian with an amazing historical heritage.
As the leading city of China's Western Development Drive Program since 1990s, Xian is an important economic, cultural, industrial and educational center of the central-northwest region.

Popular Xian Attractions

Terracotta Warriors Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China. These figures, dating from 210 BC, were first discovered in 1974 including warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. Estimates are that there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits.

Xian City Wall
After the establishment of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, started to enlarge the city wall built initially during the old Tang dynasty, creating the modern Xian City Wall. It's the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda
As the symbol of the ancient Xian, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a well preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Standing in the Da Ci'en Temple complex, it attracts numerous visitors for its fame in the Buddhist religion, its simple but appealing style of construction, and its new square in front of the temple. It is rated as a National Key Cultural Relic Preserve as well as an AAAA Tourist Attraction.

Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show
The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is a wonderful performance of the ancient music and dance. It's a must when you visit Xian. Xian, was the imperial capital during 13 dynastic periods. Of these, the Tang Dynasty was the most prosperous of all. The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is an outstanding exponent of this ancient prosperous society.

Bell & Drum Tower
These two towers are known as the 'sister buildings' or 'morning bell and dark drum'. The Bell Tower marks the geographical center of the ancient capital. It was built in Yuan Dynasty to dominate the surrounding countryside and provide early warning of attack by rival rulers. The drums tower were used to signal the running of time and on occasion were used as an alarm in emergency situations.