Basic Facts of Xian:

Location: in the central part of China, middle section of the Yellow River Valley

Area: 9,983 square kilometers

Population: 8,375,000 (by the end of 2008)

If China is a towering tree, then Beijing is the crown and Xian is the root. As an economic center in West China, Xian is nurtured with 3,100 years' history, being the capital city for 13 ancient dynasties as well as honored as a vital stop on the Silk Road. Its prosperity in Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties glories it as one the four major ancient civilization capitals in the world, on a par with Athens, Cairo and Rome. Follow TOC to unveil the mysteries of this old-timey city.

Aiming to provide its esteemed guests with great convenience, Xian has built an all-around transportation network, being equipped with a lot of advanced transportation facilities. Busy airplanes and trains can effectively serve any traveler to & from Xian; comfortable city buses, taxis etc. have made great contributions to relieve the inside traffic pressure as well. Shopping and dining in the city are somewhat the most pleasant things of your Xian tour. Both exquisite souvenirs and yummy local delicacies are available in such commercial streets as Dong Dajie, Xi Dajie, Nan Dajie and Bei Dajie (means east, west, south and north avenues) and Jiefang Road. When night falls, the city puts on an elegant attire and starts its nightlife with great dynamics and passion. What a delightful night!

Long history has awarded Xian the honored title of "Natural Historical Museum". So many stories and so much past have taken place on this land. Terracotta Warriors and Horses, regarded as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", is of great significance of the city; Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is the premier Chinese relic that appears on the World Heritage List; the old City Wall is the best relic as well as the largest ancient wall heritage in the world; lately, the naked broken arms pottery figures which is praised as "Oriental Venus" thundered the world... Inside the ancient wall, there keeps the venerable ruins of Banpo Village tracking back to the Neolithic Age (approximately from 8000 BC to 5000 BC); the Forest of Steles is entitled as a "Historical Stone Library" collecting some 3,000 steles from Han to Qing dynasties; the renowned Shaanxi History Museum, which is ranked NO.1 in China, has collected a lot of precious cultural and historical remains. There are also the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Huangdi Mausoleum, Qianling Mausoleum, Maoling Tomb, Famen Temple... Besides, Mt. Hua, one of the most magnificent mountains has represented abundant natural resources. All these natural landscapes and cultural & historical sites have made this ancient city more priceless ever before.

Join the designed Xian tours offered by TOC to dig deeper of this charming, graceful, elegant historical city. Words are too plain to describe its vitality, so come and experience all by yourself!