Were China a tree, Beijing would be the crown while Xi'an would be its deep roots. As a saying goes: "Go to
Shanghai and you will find a 100-year-old China; go to Beijing and you will find a 1000-year-old China; go to
Xi'an and then you will find a 3000-year-old China." Xi'an, the cradle of China, is, by any means, the city you
couldn't miss.
One of World Four Ancient Civilization
Together with Athens, Cairo and Rome, Xi'an is among the four major ancient civilization capitals of the world.
Xi'an is on the natural westward land route out of China into Central Asia, the starting point and terminus of the
Silk Road, which brought the city material wealth as well as religious and cultural melting for over a thousand
years.
In the Slave Society
The slave society of China mainly refers to the periods of the Xia
(21st-16th century BC), Shang (16th-11th century BC), Western
Zhou (11th century BC-771BC) as well as Spring and Autumn
Peroid (770 BC-476). During this long history, more and more
nations have immigrated to the Guanzhong Plain the center of
which is just current Xian. Therefore, both of this region's economy
and political system has gained rapid development. Until to the
Western Zhou Dynasty, the Wenwang have moved the capital-Fengjing to the west bank of the Fenghe River nearby Xian. It played as the dynasty's religious and cultural center.
Later, his heir Wuwang built the political center on the east bank of the Fenghe River, namely, Haojing. This
should be the first recorded dynasty founded the capital in Xian City.
In the Warring State Period (476BC-221BC) and the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-206 BC)
Coming to the end of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, namely, the
Warring States Period, there mainly distributed seven powerful
states in China. Qin, one of the seven states, was located in the
center of Shanxi Province and east Gansu Province. Later, Ying
Zheng, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, set up the first feudal dynasty in
Xianyang (consists of current Xi‘an and Xianyang cites) after
unifying the other six states. Although this dynasty fallen soon, a
great number of historical relics were left, for example,the so
famous Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Until now, some traditions and cuisines from the Qin Dynasty are still
kept by the Xi’an locals.
In the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) Dynasties
At the found of the Sui Dynasty, the Han's Chang'an City has been
destroyed seriously owing to long years of wars from 220 to 589.
Therefore, the emperor built a new city just to southeast of the old
Chang'an City, called Daxing City. After the Tang Dynasty overthrew
the Sui and captured the Daxing City, the first emperor of Tang
renamed the city as Chang'an City again. Later, some subsequent
construct and renovation projects were taken. In the early period of
Emperor Taizong, the Daming Palace was constructed, which was
the political center of the whole dynasty later. There is no doubt that Tang should be the most prosperous dynasty in
Chinese history. Additionally, the prosperous and peaceful city attracts a great number of artist and poets, inspiring
them to create so many masterpieces throughout the ages. In fact, the Tang culture has influenced this region deeply,
spanning from architectural style to food, even to the city's soul.
The Summary of the Modern History
October 22, 1911---the local revolutionists pulled down the governance of the Qing Dynasty in Xian.
1925---the national army led by Dr. Sun Yat-sun overthrew the reactionary warlord in Xian.
1927---some members of the Chinese Communist Party launched a military school in Xian, training a number of
revolutionists.
December 12, 1936---Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng captured the Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek by initiating
a military exhortation, namely, the Xian Incident. The incident spurred the Kuomintang to unify the Communist for
resisting the Japanese invaders.
May 20, 1949---Xian City was liberated by the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
May 25, 1949—The People's Government of Xian City was launched.
Splendid Culture
Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show
The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of the ancient music and dance, is a must when you
visit Xian. The city, which was formerly known as Chang'an has a very long history, and was the imperial capital during 13
dynastic periods. Of these, the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) was the most prosperous and glorious of all. The Tang Dynasty
Music and Dance Show is an outstanding exponent of this ancient stable and prosperous society, keeping alive its splendid
culture and providing an insight into the peaceful life style of the period.
Calligraphy Rubbings 书法碑拓
Chinese Calligraphy can be characterized into many traditional schools, among them Changan (the historic name of Xian)
school is one of the most influential schools. Since the ancient time, many calligraphy masterpieces of who regarded as
the greatest calligraphists were carved on stone steles. This tradition provides people living today a chance to appreciate
these precious culture legacies.
Xian Forest of Stone Steles Museum, initially established in AD 1087, has some of the most valuable calligraphy collections
in China. You will see some of the greatest Chinese calligraphy art including the works of Wang Xizhi (303 AD – 361 AD,
whose works are regarded as the highest artistic value) and Yan Zhenqing (709 AD – 785 AD, who is regarded as the most
influential calligraphist in Chinese history).
Green Porcelain 青瓷器
Most often used for making teapots, this special method of porcelain production renders the material dainty yet resistant.
In regards to the design, blues and greens prevail with traditional floral themes seen most often.
Paper Cuttings 剪纸
Paper cutting is widely practiced throughout China, but residents of Shaanxi province are particularly fond of the art. Not only
are the paper cuttings themselves viewed as merry decorations, the act of creating them is viewed as an art form and a
celebratory activity, and is most often done around weddings and Spring Festival. The cuttings can be likened to extremely
ornate paper dolls, and often depict symbols of luck, prosperity and happiness.
