Xi'an is one of the oldest cities in Chinese history, and one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. It has been the capital of 11 dynasties, including the most important: Zhou, Qin (when China was united for the first time), Han, Sui, and Tang.
Xi'an is the eastern starting point of the Silk Road. The Terracotta Army (in the ) is located here too.
The city has more than 3,100 years of history, and was known as Chang'an (长安, "Perpetual Peace").