ChinaRegions & prefectures

Shaanxi

Thirteen dynasties set their capital here, and a terracotta army waited underground.

Capital: Xi’an
Status: Province
Region: Northwest China
Must-see: The Terracotta Army
Local specialty: Roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, yangrou paomo

Chang’an, today’s Xi’an, was under the Tang the largest city in the world, the eastern starting point of the Silk Road and the gateway of Buddhism into China. The first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, lies here under a mound never opened, guarded by thousands of terracotta soldiers unearthed since 1974. Further north, the loess caves of Yan’an sheltered the Communist headquarters after the Long March.

What to see there

Places, dishes and traditions tied to this territory.

Chinese Paper Cutting (Jianzhi)Chinese folk art of paper cutting. Traditional decorations for New Year and weddings.Silk RoadNetwork of trade routes linking China to the Mediterranean (2nd c.The Terracotta ArmyEight thousand life-size statues, all different, found by farmers digging a well.

In the magazine

Articles that cover this topic.