Xi'an (also known as Chang'an), a sub-provincial city and one of the oldest cities in China with more than 3,100 years of history, is the capital of the Shaanxi province. As one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China in the long China’s cultural history, many dynasties established their capitals here, including Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang dynasties, as well the starting point of Silk Road.
The cultural and significant history gives Xi’an numerous cultural and historical relics. The Terra-cotta Warriors&Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Huaqing Spring etc are all the reflections of the histories that Xi’an experienced, as well the magnificent and meaningful scenic spots for tourists. On the literature and art, Xi'an also takes an indispensable role. Qinqiang - oldest and most extensive of the four major types of Chinese opera, Chang'an School - important modern Chinese school of traditional arts, textile town – an art district, all of these are the achievement of Xi'an.
As the economic revival of interior China since the 1990s, Xi’an has re-emerged as an important cultural, industrial and educational center of the central-northwest region, with facilities for research and development, national security and China’s space exploration program.