Xi’an has a history of over 3,100 years and once served as the capital for thirteen dynasties, including the Western Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang. Known as the “Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties,” it is one of the most important cities in northwest China and a world-famous tourist destination. The Ming Dynasty city wall, the Terracotta Warriors from the Qin Dynasty, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda from the Tang Dynasty all highlight Xi’an’s place in Chinese history. As the saying goes, “Half of China’s history is in Chang’an” (the ancient name of Xi’an).
The city has a deep background of ethnic and cultural integration. Compared with other cities in China, Xi’an’s Hui culture is especially prominent. One of its most famous streets is the Muslim Quarter. Because the Hui people are Muslim, Xi’an is home to many halal restaurants and food stalls. There are also several mosques here, serving as important venues for religious activities.
Xi’an’s climate is well-suited for growing wheat, which is why its noodle dishes are so renowned. As early as the Qin and Han periods, wheat-based foods were already the local staple. With the flow of trade and cultural exchange, these foods gradually diversified. Today, beloved local specialties such as roujiamo (Chinese-style burger), yangrou paomo (crumbled bread in mutton soup), and youpo chili noodles are key parts of its food culture and are highly recommended for visitors to try.
In the past, Xi’an was an important economic, political, and cultural center in Chinese history. Today, it remains the most developed city in northwest China, serving as the region’s economic hub and a major national transportation center. With its wealth of historical and cultural heritage, Xi’an is one of China’s most famous tourist cities, attracting large numbers of international visitors every year. It is also the higher education center of northwest China, with abundant academic resources and numerous universities—including Xi’an Jiaotong University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions.
Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, lies at the heart of the Guanzhong Plain, near the geometric center of China’s map. Nestled just north of the Qinling Mountains—the natural dividing line between north and south China—it occupies a vital position linking the northwest with the Central Plains, North China, and the southwest. Once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an is today the largest railway hub in northwest China, and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport offers flights to over 200 cities worldwide.




