Imperial China - Xi'an, The First Imperial City
OVERVIEW: In 1066 BC the Zhou dynasty established its capital near Xi'an. 850 years later China was unified by its first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi and Xi'an became the first Imperial city. Today Xi'an is most known for the Terra cotta Army at the tomb of Qin Shi which were discovered by peasants digging a well in 1974. Of course there is much more history and many other exotic things to see.
Xi'an served as a capital to 11 dynasties over a period of 4,000 years. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 it was the largest city in the world. Its location at the eastern end of the Silk Road turned it into a great metropolis. The presence of foreign merchants and many religious faiths ultimately influenced all of China. The silk road fell into disuse in the 15th century with the advent of large ships which could carry more goods at a cheaper cost.
Today the city is a cultural and intellectual capital boasting eleven universities. The city is laid out in a symmetrical grid design which is a model for modern city design.
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