Xi’an - Chang’an

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.