Fengjing (丰京) and Haojing (镐京), the capitals of the Zhou Dynasty (周朝, 1046–256 BCE), were located in the suburbs of modern Xi’an. In the early 3^rd century BCE, the state of Qin conquered the Zhou and the other rival states. The First Qin Emperor (秦始皇) established his capital at Xianyang (咸阳), less than 30 kilometers from present-day Xi’an.

The Western Han Dynasty (西汉, 206 BCE–9 CE) succeeded the Qin and built a new capital, Chang’an, on the site of today’s Xi’an. By the 1^st century BCE, Chang’an and Rome—then known as Caput Mundi (Capital of the World)—were among the most important cities on earth. Under Emperor Wu (汉武帝), Chang’an became China’s political and cultural center, exerting influence across East Asia. As the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, it facilitated trade and cultural exchange between China, Asia, and even parts of Europe.

After the fall of the Han Dynasty, China entered nearly 370 years of political fragmentation. Chang’an regained prominence in the 6^th century when the Sui Dynasty (隋朝, 581–618) constructed an entirely new capital near modern Xi’an. The Tang Dynasty (唐朝, 618–907) succeeded the short-lived Sui, and Chang’an flourished once again—this time as the most prosperous and cosmopolitan city in the world.

At its height, Chang’an was the most vibrant commercial and cultural center of its time. The only city comparable in scale and prosperity was Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). Situated at the eastern end of the Silk Road, Chang’an was a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ideas. Merchants, diplomats, and scholars arrived from across Asia and the Middle East, bringing with them diverse traditions. The city became a center of art, literature, and Buddhism, as well as a major trading hub for silk, tea, porcelain, and other luxury goods. At the western end of Eurasia, Constantinople served as the political and cultural heart of the Byzantine Empire and a vital Silk Road hub.

During the Tang Dynasty, Chang’an had a population of approximately two million people living within and beyond its 34-kilometer-long city walls. The sprawling West Market was a bustling commercial center that attracted merchants from the vast Western Regions (西域)—today’s Central and South Asia and the Middle East. Beyond the market stood the West Gate, the departure point for overland travel along the Silk Road. Camel and horse caravans brought musical instruments, rugs, ceramics, lacquerware, and spices to Chang’an, and returned westward carrying silk, tea, paper, and other prized goods.

Thousands of foreigners from the Western Regions—including Persians, Arabs, Indians, Turks, Uyghurs, and Jews—settled in Chang’an, making it arguably the most cosmopolitan city of its era. With visitors arriving from both distant lands and across Tang territory, the city became a vibrant crossroads where people exchanged goods, ideas, news, and entertainment.

Today, visitors to Xi’an can still encounter numerous cultural and historical sites. Although the original Chang’an city wall—once 36 kilometers long—was destroyed by centuries of warfare, the present 14-kilometer wall (opening image) was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). More than 12 meters wide at the top, it is ideal for cycling and sightseeing.