Situated in north central China, Xi'an is among the great historic centres of the world - it is China's Luxor. Here the early tapestry of Chinese civilization was woven - the rise of the Zhou kingdom which introduced the 'Mandate of Heaven', the Warring State of Qin which defeated and unified the country into the first empire from which 'Qin' gave the West the concept of 'China'. Then, turning westward, through the golden ages of the Han and the Tang, Xi'an sparkled as the largest and most cosmopolitan city on earth. The gateway to the fabled Silk Road of yore, traders and travellers from the Levant, the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond made their way to the bustling markets of this most open of ancient cities. This comprehensive guidebook, highlighting the city and its environs, leads the reader on a journey through China's glorious ancient history, from the origin of the distinctive landscape of northern China and the early stirrings of Neolithic culture at sites like Banpo, through its rise to Imperial capital in the Qin, Han and Tang (among other periods), to its relative decline and vital modern role as an administrative centre and investment portal to China's vast northwest frontier. This title highlights major archaeological and historical sites of the Xi'an area, including the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses excavation, Xi'an, Shaanxi: Gateway to the fabled Silk Road, Capital of 11 different dynastic periods. It introduces the Banpo Neolithic Village that dates back to around 5000 BCE. It explores the colourful world of ancient Chang'an and the elegant Tang dynasty women. It describes the geological background to the distinctive loess scenery of the Yellow River Basin and the North China Plain. It guides you to Mao's Red Army wartime headquarters located in the caves of Yan'an and along the stunning peaks of Huashan, one of China's sacred Mountains.