Situated in north central China, Xi'an is among the great historic centers of the world-it is China's Luxor. Here the early tapestry of Chinese civilization was woven-the rise of the Zhou kingdom which introduced the "Mandate of Heaven," the Warring State of Qin which defeated and unified the country into the first empire from which "Qin" gave the West the concept of "China." Then, turning westward, through the golden ages of the Han and the Tang, Xi'an sparkled as the largest and most cosmopolitan city on earth. The gateway to the fabled Silk Road of yore, traders and travelers from the Levant, the Middle East, central Asia and beyond made their way to the bustling markets of this most open of ancient cities. This comprehensive guidebook, highlighting the city and its environs, leads the reader on a journey through China's glorious ancient history, from the origin of the distinctive landscape of northern China and the early stirrings of Neolithic culture at sites like Banpo, through its rise to Imperial capital in the Qin, Han and Tang (among other periods), to its relative decline and vital modern role as administrative center and investment portal to China's vast northwest frontier. Detailed information on the capital of 11 different dynastic periods The world of legendary Chang'an explored Highlights the major archaeological and historical sites of the Xi'an area, including the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses excavation Describes the geological background to the distinctive scenery of the Yellow River Basin and the North China Plain Introduces the Chinese Communists' war-time HQ at Yan'an and newly opened archaeological sites elsewhere in Shaanxi province 96 color photographs 7 maps