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CENTRAL CHINA

Xi’an - Chang’an

China

The capital of 10 Chinese dynasties and a crucial junction of vast desert and fertile plains, Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an, is the cultural heart of China and a city hard to describe in words.

The Silk Roads, those complex, intertwining and mysterious veins that eventually spread across the world, led forth from this Chang’an. Situated on the eastern edge of the Hexi Corridor, in a location defined by precipitous ridges, lush valleys, and fertile basins, Chang’an was not only the capital of China, but also in that time the world’s largest and wealthiest city. Today, this city is known as Xi’an, and although it has lost its prominence in the international stage, its ancient cobbled streets and worn vendors still exudes exotic exchanges of world cultures. In eastern China where the Han people group dominate the population, Xi’an blends several minorities in its hectic streets, a result of the cultural interchange that brought this city on the map. Heading west from Xi’an, the people change almost as abruptly as the landscape, making one realize that the Middle Kingdom is as culturally rich and alive as any country on earth.


Upon seeing the famous city walls, its grandeur cannot be understated, and the walls remain some of the best preserved in the world. A large Hui Muslim population dominates the heart of the city, where a whole district is named after them. From China’s oldest mosque to those delectable kababs barbequed every minute, the old and the new blend together seamlessly. Xi’an’s accessibility is also second to none, with high speeds trains and frequent flights linking every major city in China. For this reason, Xi’an receives millions of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of China’s past. And although the days of the city being the political heart of the nation are over, it’s importance still shines.

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THE SILK ROAD JOURNAL

What Goods were Traded Here?


POTTERY AND CERAMICS - Chang'an was a center of ceramic production and had some of the finest artists, as seen in the Terracota Warriors,

LACQUERWARE - High quality lacquered goods such as trays and furniture were made from skilled artisans here.


How to Get Here


We have visited Xi'an a few times over the years, all arriving and departing via train. Xi'an is extremely well connected with high speed traina connecting nearly every city in China to the ancient capital.


Our Treasure


Walking into the amazing walled city of Xi'an and just getting lost in the alleyways and large streets. Some of the best food one can imagine and interesting historical sites are around every corner.


Explore More


    ➨ The Start of the Silk Roads (COMING SOON)

S N A P S H O T S   O N   T H E   R O A D

W H E R E   W I L L   Y O U R   J O U R N E Y   T A K E   Y O U   N E X T ?

Chang'an filled your bags, and spirits to the brim. Long gone are the icy mountain passes or the endless scorched deserts, what awaits is abundance through the heart of China. Continue eastward along the main route to another ancient capital, Luoyang, or take a shortcut through the legendary Yellow Mountains.

CONTINUE ON THE PATH TOWARDS RICHES

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