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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.
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