CHINA - XIAN
Xian means 'Heavenly peace' and is in the province of Shaanxi. Xian was the capital of China for over 1000 years. The first Chinese emperor (about 200 BC) ruled from here. Between 600-900 (Tang dynasty) Xian was the largest town in the world and the silk road started here. The outline of the Tang dynasty town still remains and the earlier centre is enclosed by a wall from the Ming dynasty. The town became famous in the 70s with the discovery of the Terracotta Army made for the first emperor. | In the meantime thousands of terracotta soldiers have been excavated and can be seen standing in their original places. The centre of Xian is surrounded by a 12m high town wall from the 14th century. In the south of the town there are the two Wild Goose Pagodas and the smaller is the more beautiful. |
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