Xi'an

The city of Xi'an, with 6 million residents, was the first Chinese city to open up its doors to the world, not in 1980 under the opening policy, but as early as in the Tang Dynasty when xi'an blossomed as the starting point of the Silk Road. For more than 2,000 years, Xi'an was the capital of 11 dynasties. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this city was a world leader in culture and trade and played a vital role in bridging the gap between the East and West.

The many dynasties, including Qin, the first empire of China, and Tang, the heyday of China's ancient history, have left the city with the most abundant legacy. The Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, an attached defending army to the first emperor of China, is regarded as "the eighth wonder of the world". The Tang Dynasty has endowed Xi'an even more heritages, including the Tomb of Concubine Yang., Huaqing Pool and Du Fu Memorial Temple, all dating from that period.

Xi'an was the first stop of Indian Buddhism preached in Chine. The sophisticated system of philosophy first came to Xi'an 2,000 years ago and later was developed into the dominant religion here. The Famen Temple in Xi'an is the only temple in mainland China that has true relics of Buddha Sakyamuni.

Aside from being a major tourist destination and historical city, Xi'an is now an important infustrial and manufacturing center. It is becoming modern and prosperous again. The night life here is pretty up to date and Xi'an's University is considered one of the best in China. As a result, the city has a large student population who contribute to the cultural life of the city, making Xi'an one of the most pleasant cities in China.