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Xian History

Used to be Changan, the city of Xian is one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation and eastern civilization. Xian has a history of over 6000 years, and it had been 13 dynasties set Xian as their capitals of countries for 1200 years. 

Changan was the capital of the following dynasties in 1200 years
Since the Western Han Dynasty, Xi'an has become the key city of economic and cultural exchanges and friendly relationships between China and other countries. It was the starting point of the Silk Road since Western Han Dynasty. "Changan culture" represents the backbone of Chinese culture.
Dynasty
Name of the Capital
Period as the Capital
Western Zhou Dynasty
Gaojing
1046BC – 771BC
Qin
Xianyang
350BC – 206BC
Western Han
Changan
200BC -9AC
Xin
Chanan
9 AC - 2 AC
Eastern Han
Changan
190 AC - 195 AC
Western Jin
Changan
313 AC - 316 AC
Early Zhao
Changan
319 AC - 328 AC
Early Qin
Changan
352 AC - 385 AC
Later Qin
Changan
386 AC - 417 AC
Western Wei
Changan
534 AC - 557 AC
Northern Zhou
Changan
557 AC - 581 AC
Sui
Daxing
581 AC - 618 AC
Tang
Changan
618 AC - 904 AC

History of Xian
Early History
As early as 1.1 million years ago, in ancient times, the human ancestors lived and multiplied here. In ancient times, Homo Erectus Lantianensis lived here; Neolithic "Banpo ancestors" established tribes here.
Zhou Dynasty
11 century BC, the Shang Dynasty established Feng at the west river bank of Feng River. Later, King Wu of Zhou established Gao at the east riverbank of Feng River, opened a glorious history of Xian.
Qin Dynasty
Qin’s capital was Xianyang. Epang Palace’s most part is in today’s Xian city. Terracotta Warriors and Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang is also in the territory of Xian City.
Han Dynasty
During Western Han and Eastern Han Dynasties, Dong Zhuo and Li Jue dictatorship all set Chang'an as the capital. Han Dynasty’sChangan City was established on the basis of the ruins of the Qin Xianyang City.
Tang Dynasty and Ming Dynasty
Changan was also the capital of Tang Dynasty. The imperial city was completely at the some place of Xian City. Tang Dynasty’s imperial tomb, such as Zhao Mausoleum, Qian Mausoleum, etc. are mostly in today’s Xianyang City. In 1369, Fengyuanlu was changed to Xian Government Office. Xian has been in use ever since.
The Republic of China
After the Revolution of 1911 broke out, the capital city of Xi'an was one of the earliest city responded. On December 12, 1936, “Xi'an Incident” shocked the world.
The People's Republic of China
Xian and Xianyang are the same city from 1966 to 1971, and in 1971 designated as two cities. Xian was the provincial capital.

Xian was once China's political, economic and cultural center and one of the earliest cities opening to the outside world. One of "Eight Wonders of the World"- Terracotta Warriors shows the city’s profound history and culture. With historical and cultural heritage, Xi'an enjoys reputation as the "Natural History Museum". The variety of cultural relics, the large amount, the value, are ranks No. 1 in the world. 

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