Xi'an, which was frequently praised by ancient Chinese poets, with its scenery appearing in one-third of Tang Dynasty poems, remains as popular today.
Capital of 13 Chinese dynasties and known for its terracotta warriors and beautiful landscape, it ranked first in China's top 10 happiest cities in 2009.
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| The main gate of the Xi'an Expo |
History
The city of Xi'an was established more than 3,100 years ago, and has served as the capital in 13 Chinese dynasties including the Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang for more than 1,100 years, the longest in Chinese history for a city to serve as the capital.
Huangdi, a sage, unified the ancient tribes and founded the original Chinese nation in Xi'an. His mausoleum is now preserved in the city, attracting millions of Chinese visitors each year.
Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, established China's first centralized feudal government in the city, and spent 10 years building the Great Wall.
In a historical account of the period 109-91 BC by Sima Qian, the city was named the "Golden City" and the "Land of Abundance."
In ancient China the city attracted scholars and poets, and now it preserves the country's largest stone-book library (writing on stone tablets), called the "Forest of Steles".
The ancient walls in Xi'an are the country's longest and best preserved. Its Bell and Drum Towers, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Famen Temple are pleasant scenic spots for visitors from around the world to enjoy. Its folk arts, folk dances, paintings and drama all add charm to the city.
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| An artist's impression of the western architectural complex area in the Expo. |
Economy
The economic growth rate of Xi'an has been above 13 percent for the past several years.
The city benefited greatly from its unique food and folk culture, which, together with the fashionable lifestyles of the people in the city, have attracted lots of visitors from China and abroad.
Now the city has become the fourth largest international air transportation hub in China, with 27 international routes. The Xi'an North Station that is under construction will be Asia's largest railway station when it's completed.
The Xi'an International Port Zone is also expected to become China's largest inland port and bonded logistics center.
Research capacity has greatly boosted the city's economic development.
Xi'an has nearly 100 universities, close behind Beijing and Shanghai.
It also has more than 60 state-level key research projects and more than 130 state-level laboratories, research centers and test centers, generating about 10,000 items of scientific achievement each year.
It has more than 400,000 industry professionals and technicians including academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and experts who have made significant contributions to the country.
Daily life
The city topped the list of China's top 10 happiest cities in 2009, showing that Xi'an is a nice place to settle.
Forest covers 44.99 percent of the city's total area, and green coverage of its urban areas is 39.75 percent, making the city like a huge garden.
There is a forest belt covering 50,000 hectares around the city, and there are also more than 50 public green parks and 460 green squares in the city.
Some tourists say it is like walking in a south Chinese town instead of in a northwest Chinese city.
The Weihe River, Bashui River and the Chanhe River all go around or across the city, adding charm to the beauty of Xi'an and bringing pleasure to the people.
Eating in Xi'an is another great experience.
The cooking method of its 3,100-year-old steamed beef and mutton bubble has been listed in the national non-material cultural heritages.
About 100 of its traditional snacks have been named as China's famous snack brands.
Shopping malls, chain supermarkets and restaurants also make life very convenient for local residents as well as for visitors.
(Source: China Daily)