Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an and Haojing, is the capital city of Shaanxi Province and a national central city, located in the central part of the Guanzhong Plain in northwest China, midstream along the Yellow River basin. As one of the crucial birthplaces of Chinese civilization and the Chinese nation, Xi’an boasts a history of over 3,100 years as a city and more than 1,100 years as a capital, having served as the seat of 13 dynasties including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang, earning it the title “China’s First Ancient Capital.”
History and Culture
Xi’an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of the world, alongside Athens, Cairo, and Rome. Its history dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty, when King Wen of Zhou and King Wu of Zhou established Fengjing and Haojing, laying the foundation for Xi’an’s establishment. During the Tang Dynasty, Chang’an reached unprecedented prosperity and became the largest city in the world at that time. Xi’an is rich in cultural heritage, including six World Heritage sites such as the Terracotta Army of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, earning it the nickname “Natural History Museum.”
Geography and Transportation
Situated on the Guanzhong Plain, Xi’an enjoys a flat terrain and fertile soil, covering an area of approximately 10,108 square kilometers with a permanent population exceeding 13 million. As a transportation hub in northwest China, Xi’an boasts developed railway, highway, and air networks. Xi’an North Railway Station is the largest railway passenger transport hub in northwest China, and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is the largest air hub in the region, handling over 47 million passengers annually.
Economy and Technology
In 2024, Xi’an’s GDP surpassed 1.3 trillion yuan, making it a significant economic center in northwest China. Xi’an excels in electronics, machinery, chemicals, aerospace, and other fields, earning it the reputation as the “Global Hard Technology Capital.” Additionally, with 63 universities and 95 research institutes, Xi’an ranks third in China in terms of comprehensive scientific and educational strength.
City Honors and Development
Xi’an is designated as an international metropolis and national central city by the Chinese government. It has been recognized as a National Hygienic City, National Garden City, and China’s Most Livable City, among other honors. As the “New Starting Point of the Silk Road Economic Belt,” Xi’an is embracing a more open stance to promote exchanges and cooperation with countries along the route.
Summary
Xi’an is a modern metropolis that integrates history, culture, economy, and technology. It is not only the birthplace of Chinese civilization but also a key central city in northwest China, playing a pivotal role in the “Belt and Road” initiative.