Ｘｉ’ａｎ——Ａ　Ｌｉｖｉｎｇ　Ｍｏｎｕｍｅｎｔ　ｔｏ　Ｃｈｉｎｅｓｅ　Ｈｉｓｔｏｒｙ

ＺＨＡＮＧ　ＸＩＷＥＮ

CHINAS three most visited cities each offer a distinct experience: Beijing is the central witness of the creation and growth of the Peoples Republic, Shanghai is the nations pulsating 21st century metropolis, while Xian is Chinas living monument to the countrys ancient past.

Today Xian is the capital of the central northwestern province of Shaanxi, but formerly it served as the nations capital for no less than 13 dynasties. These included the powerful Qin (221-206 BC), Han (206 BC-AD 220) and Tang (618-907) dynasties. The citys prominent role in Chinas history can largely be attributed to its central geographic location. To one side of Xian lies the Qinling Mountains. On the other flows the upper reaches of the Yellow River, Chinas second longest watercourse. Enclosed by high mountains and broad waters, Xians superior location in ancient times was believed to be reserved for kings.

Xian achieved international fame during the Qin Dynasty. Qin people were savvy merchants and their caravans traded with the Arabic, Roman and Greek peoples of the ancient world. The name “China” originated in this period, derived from the word Qin (pronounced “Chin” in English).

In the 7th century Xian reached the zenith of its prosperity, becoming the worlds first metropolis of 1 million residents. Businesspeople from Arabia, India, Europe, Japan and Korea flocked to the city in an endless stream. As many as 4,000 foreigners a day passed through the city gate at this time. The foreign student population amounted to some 100,000 people.

After the fall of the Tang Dynasty Xians glory passed like leaves swept away by the wind, but its long and rich history left indelible marks on the city and its people. Thirty-odd mausoleums of Han and Tang emperors can be found in the area. These include the final resting places of the founding Han Emperor Liu Bang, and Chinas first female ruler Wu Zetian. Xian is also the burial place of the Yellow Emperor, legendary ancestor of the Chinese people, and Emperor Qin Shihuang, creator of the first unified nation in Chinese history.

Xian people are still fond of Qin Opera and the paomo dish of hard bread in mutton or beef broth, both handed down from 2,000 years ago. Locals are noted for their forthrightness and gallantry, traits passed down from their ancestors. Historians believe that the Qins unification of China owed much to Xians valiant soldiers, known for always being on the offensive. Their military prowess is reflected in Xians most famous sight – the legendary terracotta army. This astounding collection of over 7,000 individual terracotta warriors guards the final resting place of Emperor Qin Shihuang. The clay figures all wear thin, light armor, assumed to have been more ornamental than protective. The few documents that survive from this period testify that Qin soldiers always charged forward on the battlefield, seeking to chop down as many enemies as possible in exchange for promotions and monetary rewards.