Xi’an is often known as the birthplace of Chinese Civilization or the cradle of Chinese civilization. It is aptly named because there is a saying that goes: “Go to Shanghai and you will find 100-year-old China; go to Beijing and you will find 1000-year-old China; go to Xi’an you will find a 3000-year-old China.

Xi’an has several drawcards, the most popular one being the Army of Terracotta Warriors. Just like people visit places for historical, spiritual, and other reasons, Xi’an in North Central China should be on your travel list.

Athens, Cairo, Rome, and Xi’an together make up the four major ancient civilization capitals of the world. Xi’an sits on a westward route out into Central Asia and was home to the ruling house of 13 Chinese dynasties. Historically referred to as Chang’an, the most notable dynasties to rule from here include:

• The Qin dynasty (221 BC-207 BC)
• The Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD)
• The Sui dynasty (581 AD-618 AD)
• The Tang dynasty (618 AD-908 AD)

Emperor Qin Shihuang was the first to unite China and was the one who left the archaeological wonder-the Terracotta warriors; one of the most extraordinary in the world attracting thousands of visitors each year. During the Tang dynasty, this ancient city was at its peak being the largest, most cosmopolitan settlement in the world.

Xi’an was influenced by various cultures like Buddhism and Islam. A renowned master-Xuan Zang returned to China after 15 years traveling across India and Central Asia and established the Wild Goose Pagoda; a chamber of Buddhist scriptures translation and symbol of Buddhism in China.

The small Muslim minority had the Great Mosque of Xi’an that still stands to this day; a mixture of western Islamic tradition and Chinese design.

Warriors of Clay (terracotta warriors)

In 1974, farmers were digging a well when they stumbled upon the silent ranks of an army. They were later discovered to be warriors of clay of Emperor Qin. Still in its original, undisturbed form, visitors have described the feeling of first seeing this unique relic as unrivaled no matter how many photographs of the warriors they have had looked at before actually seeing it. This awe-inspiring antique continues to draw admirers the world over.

Greater Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)

Built in 652 AD within the Monastery of Grace precincts to house Buddhist scriptures, this seven-storey wood and brick structure is 64 meters high.

Lesser Wild Goose Pagoda (Xiaoyanta)

This smaller pagoda was built in the Fortune Offering Temple precincts in 684 AD. It is a brick structure 43 meters high and with closely arranged eves.

Bell Tower (Zhonglou)

Offering a commanding view of the city of Zhonglou, this 36-meter high tower with Ming-style three-layer eaves was built in 1384 AD and was used to toll the hour in those times.

Xi’an City Wall

Built with bricks on the exterior and rammed earth on the interior, Xi’an city wall is among the best preserved and still usable walls in China. It is a battlement that was built between 1370 and 1378 AD. It is surrounded by a moat and boasts 11.9 km in circumference, 12 meters in height, an 18-meter-wide base, and a 15 meter wide top.

Being near Central China, Xi’an is the crossroad of numerous cuisines which are not to be missed. The most popular ones, however, come from the Muslim quarter. Noodles, lamb, dumplings, and even kabobs always generate insatiable hunger. The most popular cuisines are:

• Roujiamo
• Xi’an kabobs
• Biangbiang noodles
• Guantang baozi
• Yangrou pao mo

Just follow your nostrils to enjoy these endless homegrown flavors.

There is probably more than you can take in with a single vacation to Xi’an. But here is a brief of the city’s trivia.

• The famous Silk Road started here
• It is surrounded by eight rivers the largest being river Wei. It is also averagely populated
• The name Xi’an means “peace in the west” as ‘xi’ means west while ‘an’ means peace
• It has unique souvenirs the most popular one being the reproduction of the terracotta army
• The best time to visit is in spring and autumn
• Xian has an advanced transportation system with the largest airport in Northwest China; the Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. It also has six train stations, one metro line that runs across the city from north to south, and two main concentric ring roads
• Beginning 2014, you can visit Xi’an visa-free for 72 hours provided you will proceeding to somewhere else from there

• Just like a living history book, China owes its deep roots to Xi’an. Visit Xi’an to get more travel inspiration from its music, hotels, and a lot more.