3000 Years of History
Xi'an served as the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties throughout its history which formed the foundation of Chinese civilization.
Explore the Timeline
Xi'an served as the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties throughout its history which formed the foundation of Chinese civilization.
Explore the TimelineXi'an stands among the smallest number of cities worldwide which have experienced such an extended period of historical influence. Throughout more than 3000 years this city has seen the entire cycle of China's dynastic power growth and decline since it functioned as the imperial capital for 13 dynasties. During ancient times the city existed under the name Chang'an which translates to "Eternal Peace" before it became the world's largest and most diverse metropolis.
The current streets of Xi'an present an opportunity to explore the complete historical timeline of China. The city maintains its original grid design which the Tang Dynasty established. The city's ancient pagodas tower above contemporary structures while parts of the Ming Dynasty city wall continue to surround the historic district. The underground space contains numerous archaeological artifacts which remain undiscovered by modern exploration.
Xi'an exists as a historical site that extends beyond its museum-like appearance. Xi'an served as the final point of the Silk Road which connected Chinese civilization with Central Asian and Middle Eastern and other cultures. The cultural exchange between China and other civilizations introduced new religious beliefs and technological concepts and intellectual ideas which reshaped the future of Chinese development.
From neolithic settlements to modern metropolis, explore the key moments in Xi'an's 3,000-year history.
Xi'an's story begins with the Zhou people, who established their capital near present-day Xi'an after overthrowing the Shang Dynasty. This period saw the development of the "Mandate of Heaven" concept, which would influence Chinese political thought for millennia. The Zhou created a feudal system that distributed land among relatives and allies, laying the groundwork for Chinese administrative practices.
The first emperor of unified China, Qin Shi Huang, established his capital at Xianyang, just north of modern Xi'an. Though his dynasty was short-lived, his legacy is immense. He standardized writing, currency, and measurements across China, built the first version of the Great Wall, and created a vast network of roads. His mausoleum, guarded by the famous Terracotta Army, lies just outside Xi'an and stands as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.
The Han Dynasty established its capital at Chang'an (present-day Xi'an), making it the political, economic, and cultural center of China. This was the golden age of ancient Chinese civilization, comparable to Rome in the West. The Silk Road officially began during this period, connecting China to Central Asia and beyond. Han emperors sent Zhang Qian as an envoy to the Western Regions, opening up trade routes that would flourish for centuries.
The Han period saw remarkable advancements in science, arts, and technology. Paper was invented, Confucianism became the state ideology, and the civil service examination system was established. Xi'an grew into a cosmopolitan city with over 250,000 residents.
The Tang Dynasty marked the absolute pinnacle of Xi'an's influence. Chang'an became the largest city in the world, with a population exceeding one million. The city was laid out in a perfect grid pattern with wide avenues, grand palaces, and bustling markets. It was a truly international metropolis, home to merchants, monks, and diplomats from Korea, Japan, India, Persia, and Arabia.
This was China's cultural golden age, a time of unprecedented prosperity and artistic achievement. Poetry flourished under masters like Li Bai and Du Fu. Buddhism reached its zenith, with the monk Xuanzang returning from India with sacred texts that were translated at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The Tang also saw China's only female emperor, Wu Zetian, who ruled from Chang'an.
Though Xi'an was no longer the imperial capital during the Ming Dynasty (that honor had moved to Beijing), it remained a crucial military and administrative center. The massive city wall that surrounds Xi'an's old city today was built during this period, replacing the crumbling Tang Dynasty walls. At 12 meters high, 14 meters wide at the top, and 14 kilometers in circumference, it's one of the most complete ancient city walls in China.
The Bell Tower and Drum Tower, iconic landmarks in modern Xi'an, were also constructed during the Ming Dynasty. These towers once marked the rhythm of city life, with the bell ringing at dawn and the drum at dusk.
In March 1974, local farmers digging a well near Mount Li stumbled upon one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This vast underground army of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots was created to guard the emperor in the afterlife.
The discovery catapulted Xi'an back into the global spotlight and transformed the city's fortunes. Tourism boomed as visitors from around the world flocked to see this eighth wonder of the world. Today, the Terracotta Army is Xi'an's most famous attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today, Xi'an is a vibrant metropolis of over 12 million people, blending ancient heritage with modern development. The city has become a key hub in China's Belt and Road Initiative, echoing its historical role as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. High-tech industries flourish alongside traditional crafts, and gleaming skyscrapers rise not far from thousand-year-old pagodas.
Xi'an's universities attract students from across China and around the world. The city continues to yield archaeological discoveries, with ongoing excavations at the Terracotta Army site and Emperor Qin's mausoleum. For visitors, Xi'an offers a unique window into China's past, present, and future.
Xi'an's rich cultural tapestry reflects its history as a melting pot of peoples, religions, and ideas.
Buddhism arrived in China via the Silk Road, and Xi'an became its first major center. During the Tang Dynasty, the city was home to dozens of Buddhist temples and thousands of monks from across Asia.
The most famous Buddhist monk in Chinese history, Xuanzang, departed from Chang'an in 629 AD on a 17-year journey to India to collect Buddhist scriptures. When he returned, he brought back 657 Sanskrit texts and numerous Buddha relics. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built specifically to house these treasures.
Xuanzang's journey later inspired the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," one of the most beloved stories in Chinese culture. His translations of Buddhist texts had a profound influence on Chinese philosophy, art, and literature.
Islam arrived in Xi'an during the Tang Dynasty, brought by Arab and Persian merchants traveling the Silk Road. Many settled in the city, creating a vibrant Muslim community that continues to thrive today.
The Great Mosque of Xi'an, built in 742 AD, is one of the oldest and most fascinating mosques in China. Unlike mosques in the Middle East, it follows traditional Chinese architectural styles—there's not a single dome in sight. Instead, you'll find pavilions, archways, and gardens that blend Islamic faith with Chinese aesthetics.
Today, the Muslim Quarter is home to around 50,000 Hui Muslims, descendants of those early Silk Road traders. Their unique culture—Chinese in many ways but with distinct Islamic traditions—is reflected in everything from the area's architecture to its mouth-watering cuisine.
This ancient art form uses intricate leather puppets to cast shadows on a translucent screen. Xi'an's shadow puppets are known for their delicate craftsmanship and vibrant colors. Performances typically tell stories from Chinese folklore, history, and mythology.
"I learned this craft from my grandfather," says Wang Tianwen, a fifth-generation shadow puppet master. "Each puppet takes weeks to make, with dozens of movable joints. It's not just entertainment—it's our way of passing down stories and values."
Using just a pair of scissors and red paper, artisans create incredibly detailed designs. These are often used to decorate homes during festivals and special occasions. Xi'an's paper cuts frequently feature auspicious symbols like dragons, phoenixes, and peonies.
During Chinese New Year, almost every household in Xi'an displays paper cuttings on windows and doors. The character "福" (fu, meaning good fortune) is often cut and pasted upside down, as the word for "upside down" (倒, dao) sounds like the word for "arrive" (到, dao)—symbolizing that good fortune has arrived.
Xi'an's drum music dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The powerful rhythms once announced the time and important events. Today, you can experience this tradition at the Drum Tower with daily performances.
"Our drum music is like the heartbeat of Xi'an," explains Li Minghua, a performer at the Drum Tower. "Each beat connects us to our ancestors. When I perform, I can feel the energy of a thousand years flowing through my hands."
The Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) represents the absolute pinnacle of Chinese civilization—a time of unprecedented prosperity, cultural brilliance, and international influence. Xi'an, then known as Chang'an, was the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the world.
The Tang era produced China's greatest poets—Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei among them. Poetry was not just for the elite; ordinary people composed and recited poems as part of daily life. Even today, Chinese schoolchildren can recite Tang poems from memory.
Tang women enjoyed unusual freedom. They could own property, receive an education, and even play polo—a sport usually reserved for men. The Tang also saw China's only female emperor, Wu Zetian, who ruled from Chang'an for half a century.
Chang'an was home to over a million people, including thousands of foreigners. Persian astronomers worked at the imperial observatory, Indian monks translated Buddhist texts, and Japanese students studied Chinese governance. This cosmopolitan atmosphere fostered innovation in everything from music to mathematics.
Xi'an has inspired countless poems, stories, and novels throughout Chinese history.
"The setting sun seems to have no love for this land, As it departs the mountains so hurriedly. The yellow dust blown by the wind fills the city, And the streets are deserted before the gates of mansions."
Li Bai, perhaps China's most beloved poet, captures the melancholy beauty of Chang'an at dusk. Written during the mid-Tang period, this poem reflects on the city's grandeur and the transient nature of imperial glory.
"The wind is strong, the sky is high, and monkeys wail mournfully. The island is clear, the sand is white, and birds fly in circles. Endless trees shed their leaves in rustling showers. The boundless Yangtze flows on day and night."
Du Fu, who lived in Chang'an during its golden age and later during the An Lushan Rebellion, often wrote about the city's changing fortunes. His poems provide a vivid window into life in Tang Dynasty Xi'an, from imperial splendor to wartime suffering.
This 16th-century novel, one of China's four great classical novels, begins in Chang'an. It follows the monk Xuanzang (based on the historical figure) and his three supernatural disciples—including the famous Monkey King—on their journey to India to retrieve Buddhist scriptures.
Collections of Tang Dynasty stories like "Tales of the Marvelous" contain numerous accounts set in Chang'an. These stories—mixing history, fantasy, and romance—paint a vivid picture of life in the cosmopolitan capital, from the imperial court to the bustling markets.
Step back in time with these immersive historical experiences.
Experience the music, dance, and costumes of the Tang Dynasty in this spectacular performance. The show features traditional instruments, colorful costumes, and choreography based on ancient court dances.
Must try: So excited! On my way to watch the live show of The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. It tells the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Yuhuan, from her entering the palace, their luxurious life, the An Lushan Rebellion, Yang's tragic death at Mawei Slope to the emperor's deep yearning for her.
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Rent a bicycle and ride the entire 14-kilometer circuit of Xi'an's ancient city wall. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the wall offers panoramic views of both the old city and modern Xi'an.
Visitor's experience: "Cycling the wall at sunset was magical. The old city glowed golden, and we could see all the way to the distant mountains. It took us about 2 hours with plenty of photo stops."
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Explore the living history of the Silk Road in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter. This neighborhood has been home to the city's Muslim community for over a thousand years, with food traditions that blend Middle Eastern flavors with Chinese techniques.
Must try: Yangrou paomo (mutton stew with bread), roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and persimmon cakes for dessert.
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