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Xi'an

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Xi'an is a major sub-provincial city in China. It is located on the Guanzhong plain in Shaanxi province. The city serves as a vital hub for the central and northwest regions. It is the most populous city in Northwestern China. According to the 2020 census, the total population was 12.95 million people. This includes an urban population of 9.28 million.

51514-Xian-Pano (27759087230)
51514-Xian-Pano (27759087230)

Today, it is the second-most popular tourist destination in the country. It is also recognized as a global financial center.

South facade of Xi'anbei Railway Station 20200429
South facade of Xi'anbei Railway Station 20200429

The history of this area involves many different city names and locations. In the 11th century BC, the Western Zhou established the twin cities of Feng and Hao. These were known as Fenghao and sat near the Feng River.

Later, the Qin dynasty unified China with its capital at Xianyang. The Western Han dynasty then established Chang'an south of the Wei River. This capital was also called the "Western Capital" during the Eastern Han. The Sui dynasty built a new capital called Daxing in AD 581. This city was once the largest in the world. The Tang dynasty later reverted the name back to Chang'an. The name Xi'an was finally adopted in 1369 under the Ming dynasty.

长安 沣东大道沣河桥上东望市区
长安 沣东大道沣河桥上东望市区

Ancient landmarks provide deep insight into the region's past. The 3rd-century BC Terracotta Army was commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another important site is the Banpo Neolithic village. It dates back 5,600 to 6,700 years. The site contains well-organized settlements and is now a museum.

The Temple of the Town Deity in Xi'an 13 2013-09
The Temple of the Town Deity in Xi'an 13 2013-09

Even older history exists in the area. The Lantian Man was discovered in 1963. This discovery dates back at least 500,000 years. These sites show that people have lived here for a very long time.

Religious history is also visible through famous structures. The monk Xuanzang established a translation school here in the 7th century. He brought Sanskrit scriptures back from India. This led to the construction of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in 652. It was built to store these important translations. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 707 to store works by Yijing.

雁塔 在锦业路上看高新商务区 01
雁塔 在锦业路上看高新商务区 01

Another significant relic is the Nestorian Stele from 781. This limestone block describes early Christian communities in China. It shows that the Tang Emperor Taizong recognized these groups. This history proves that Xi'an was a crossroads for many different faiths.

During the Ming dynasty, a new city wall was built in 1370. This wall remains intact today. It has a specific circumference, height, and thickness at the base. A moat was also built outside these walls to protect the city.

西安府安远门
西安府安远门

Later, the Qing dynasty established special quarters for Manchu bannermen. There were Manchu quarters in the northeast and Han quarters in the southeast. For many years, these two groups lived near each other but did not intermarry. Laws regarding marriage between Han civilians and Manchu bannermen changed several times during the Qing era. These social rules were often guided by custom and status.

In the modern era, Xi'an has become a massive center for science and education. It ranks 16th globally for scientific output. It is also the top city for science in Western China. The city is home to many prestigious institutions. These include Xi'an Jiaotong University and Northwest University.

XJTU campus
XJTU campus

It is also a hub for industry, politics, and research. The Globalization and World Cities Research Network ranked it as a Beta- city. This means it is a significant player in the global economy. It continues to grow as a center for development in inland China.

Modern infrastructure supports the city's large population. Traveling through the city is efficient using the metro system.

Train of Line 14 in Xi'an Metro, May 3 2023 (New JC)
Train of Line 14 in Xi'an Metro, May 3 2023 (New JC)

Passengers use various stations, such as Fenghuangchi.

Platform of FENGHUANGCHI Station, Xi'an Metro (Jul 25, 2023)
Platform of FENGHUANGCHI Station, Xi'an Metro (Jul 25, 2023)

The city is also well-connected by rail and air. The Xi'an North railway station serves many travelers.

South facade of Xi'anbei Railway Station 20200429
South facade of Xi'anbei Railway Station 20200429

For long-distance travel, people use the Xi'an Xianyang International Airport.

Airport, Terminal JP7562176
Airport, Terminal JP7562176

These systems help connect the ancient history of the Silk Road to the modern global world.

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🖼️ Images & Media (14)
File:Western Zhou dynasty Carriages pit2 Xi'an.JPG
Western Zhou dynasty Carriages pit2 Xi'an.JPG
File:西安府安远门.jpg
西安府安远门.jpg
File:Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng.jpg
Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng.jpg
File:51514-Xian-Pano (27759087230).jpg
51514-Xian-Pano (27759087230).jpg
File:Meibei Lake,Huyi District,Xi'an.jpg
Meibei Lake,Huyi District,Xi'an.jpg
File:Txu-oclc-10552568-ni49-5.jpg
Txu-oclc-10552568-ni49-5.jpg
File:Train of Line 14 in Xi'an Metro, May 3 2023 (New JC).jpg
Train of Line 14 in Xi'an Metro, May 3...
File:Platform of FENGHUANGCHI Station, Xi'an Metro (Jul 25, 2023).jpg
Platform of FENGHUANGCHI Station, Xi'an...
File:South facade of Xi'anbei Railway Station 20200429.jpg
South facade of Xi'anbei Railway Station...
File:Airport, Terminal JP7562176.jpg
Airport, Terminal JP7562176.jpg
File:The Temple of the Town Deity in Xi'an 13 2013-09.jpg
The Temple of the Town Deity in Xi'an 13...
File:长安 沣东大道沣河桥上东望市区.jpg
长安 沣东大道沣河桥上东望市区.jpg

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