Xi'an is one of China's Four Ancient Capitals and has served as the political heart of thirteen different dynasties throughout China's long history. These include the Zhou, Han, Sui and Tang. The fascinating city has existed in one form or another for more than 3,100 years and has been an epicenter of Chinese culture for much of that. The city became an important urban area under the Zhou Dynasty in the 11th century BC, and was the capital of the Qin Dynasty, the first dynasty to successfully unify China. Xi'an literally means “West Peace,” in reference to the stabilizing effect the city was intended to have on the country.

While the city is today filled with many traditional Chinese neighborhoods and landmarks, Xi'an today is a modern city with a population of around eight million. While 99.1% of the city's population is of Han descent, the city also has many ethnic minorities including 50,000 Muslim Hui people, many of whom live in the city's famous Muslim quarter. Xi'an is also home to a growing avante garde art area called Spinning Town as well as a major music and film scene. Many famous artists, including Zhang Yimou (director of “Hero”) call Xi'an home. Between biking on Xi'an's city wall, exploring the ancient monuments of the Qin dynasty, and checking out some of China's best art galleries, you will leave Xi'an with lasting memories.