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      Xian was the cradle of Chinese civilization dating back to 4,000BC. It was the capital city for 11 dynasties to the 9th century. Xian was the commencement point for the caravans traveling the Silk Road. The massive City Wall and Moat stand as evidence of the crucial importance of the city.

      The first emperor to unify China was Qin Shihuang. It was Qin Shihuang, who also began work on the Great Wall. According to the recorded history of China, Qin Shihuang started construction of his tomb on Lishan Mountain soon after he became emperor. Construction expanded after he unified China in 221BC. The monumental task required 700,000 laborers. The amazing tomb was completed 38 years later.

      The actual burial site of Qin Shihuang is beneath a mound in an underground palace. The site contains over 400 tombs and vaults, which contain artifacts buried with the emperor. The entire area covers 56.25 kilometers. The main vaults contain bronze carriages, horses, rare and precious birds and animals, tables, warriors and horses. More than 50,000 historical and cultural relics have been unearthed. The most famous vault is that of the warriors, which contains 6,000 life-size terra cotta warriors and horses. On exhibition in Vault I are 1,000 soldiers, eight war chariots, and 32 horses. In Vault II are 1,300 soldiers and horses, and 80 war chariots. Vault II contains cavalry and foot soldiers. Vault III is the headquarters for the army. Soldiers were drafted from the provinces of China, and each figure accurately depicts the facial features and armament from the specific province of origin.

Banpo Village houses a village, which has been meticulously restored. The Village dates back more than 6,000 years. The ruins are divided into the residential quarter, pottery making area, and the burial ground. 

      Dayan Pagoda, also known as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, stands seven stories high (211 feet) and was built in 652AD. The temple was built by Tang Emperor Gaozong , in memory of his deceased mother. The Temple was a repository of the Buddhist sutras, which were brought from India by the monk, Xuanzang. On the base of the Temple are engraved two works by the master calligrapher, Chu Suiliang (602-664).

      The City Wall covers an area of 12 square kilometers. The present day wall was constructed on the foundation of Chang'an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty. With all of the preservation efforts, the wall is one of the well preserved in China. There is a main city gate on each side, which is flanked by three guard towers. The wall and moat display China's incredible mastery of massive architectural projects, which have had strategic and military purposes.

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