Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province, out in central China, was known as Chang'an, back before the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It has served as the capital of 13 dynasties, from the Zhou (c.11th century-256 BC) to the Qin (221-206 BC), Han (220 BC-AD 220), Sui (AD 581-618), and Tang (AD 618-907).

But being the capital of various dynasties is not the city's only claim to historic significance. It was also the starting (or end) point of the Silk Road, the transcontinental route that linked China in the East with the Roman Empire in the West. Xi'an was, thus, one of the world's earliest metropolitan areas.

Evidence of this can be seen among the antiquities in the Shaanxi History Museum, where many Han and Tang items give a sign of immense cultural exchanges.

Xi'an was at the zenith of prosperity during the Tang's Tianbao period, a time of political stability and flourishing trade. Academics, students, traders and merchants from all over visited Xi'an, contributing to its diverse culture.

Traces of Tang glories can be found in the Huaqing Palace, a grand gathering of buildings and gardens on Li Mountain.

Another testament to Tang glory is the Daming Palace ruins. The original structure may have been destroyed, but the palace still conveys a sense of magnificence and splendor.

The Ming was the last dynasty to have its capital in Xi'an. To savor the Ming style, a good place to start is the Bell Tower. It stands in the center of the city and offers a place from which to view the city center. Nearby, to the west, is the Drum Tower.

Four prosperous streets stretch out east, west, south and north from the Bell Tower. In the evening, the two towers are illuminated, and stand in fascinating contrast to the surrounding commercial structures.

As the bell tolls, the casual visitor might experience a temporary confusion of time and place.

Close by the Drum Tower is Muslim Street, a good place to savor Xi'an's culinary specialties. Its cuisine is quintessentially northwestern Chinese food and visitors would be well-advised to try Xi'an's most famous dishes: the pancake, the mutton soup, which can be spicy, and the handmade noodles, which come in various flavors, shapes and sizes.

Xi'an's history has shaped its culture. For example, it is the cradle of China's oldest opera, the Qinqiang, which is characterized by high-pitched, emotional performances. Xian's art and style reflect the environment and character of Shaanxi.

Another cultural phenomenon is the shadow puppetry. Colorful puppets interpret the various stages of life against a white curtain, manipulated by artists backstage, who also provide the voices.

This combination of sound and image is the earliest precursor of the cinema, an art form that testifies to the artistic achievements of classical Shaanxi.

Now, that historical ebb and flow is long gone, replaced by a modern, thriving city. But, the traces of that long history cannot be erased even from the urban landscape. And, the visitors can expect to savor the heritage and unique culture, while enjoying the convenience of modern life.

Xi'an is a perfect example of modernity blending well with history, and offering a mesmerizing experience that keeps people coming back for more.

(China Daily 04/29/2011 page6)