Information AboutXian |
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official_name = Xi'an, Shaanxi , China | nickname = Chang'an | image_flag = xian_flag.png | image_seal = xian_logo.png | image_map = Xi'an_location.png | map_caption = Location of Xi'an | subdivision_type = City | subdivision_name = Shaanxi | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Sun Qingyun | area_magnitude = 1 E9 | area_total = 9,983 | area_land = 9,983 | area_water = 0.00 | population_as_of = 2001 | population_note = 7,850,000 ( Metropolitan Area ) | population_total = 3,225,812 (city proper) | population_density = 1,962 | timezone = CST | utc_offset = +8 | timezone_DST = CDT |
latitude = 33°39' N | longitude = 107°40' E | website = http://www.xa.gov.cn/ | footnotes = | }} Xi'an (; literal meaning: "Western Peace"; former name Sian ), is the Capital of Shaanxi Province in China and a Sub-provincial City . Known as one of the most important cities in Chinese history, Xi'an is listed as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals Of China because it has been the capital of 13 dynasties, including the Zhou , Qin , Han , and Tang . Xi'an is also the eastern end of the Silk Road . The city has more than 3,100 years of history. It was called ''' Chang'an ''' (长安/長安 Pinyin : Cháng'ān), meaning "Perpetual Peace", in ancient times. Xi'an is the largest and most developed city in the central to northwestern part of China and is ranked among the 10 largest cities in the nation. History
Geography The city is nested between a Flood Plain created by 8 surrounding rivers and streams, most of which have been too polluted to be used as sources of fresh water. Xi'an borders the northern foot of the '' Qinling Mountain Ranges '' to the south, and the banks of Wei River to the north. The city covers approximately 16,808 km&2 of urban area. Demographics Its population is around 7.5 million. About 4 million people live in the city area. Xi'an has a large Muslim quarter which is the home to the beautiful 1250 year old Great Mosque Of Xi'an . It is also one of the most heavily trafficked tourist cities within the People's Republic. A destination for tens of thousands of foreign and Chinese tourists alike every year. Culture Historically, Xi'an has been one of the most important cities in the world. The culture of Xi'an is inherited from the traditions of one of the world's earliest civilizations. The Guanzhong Ren (关中人/關中人) were the cultural antecedent of Xi'anese, their cultural features are drawn from the Ten Specialities Of Guanzhong Ren (关中十大怪/關中十大怪). Another major part of this culture is Eight Great Sights of Chang'an (长安八景/長安八景); storied scenic areas in the region. The Drama of the original Xi'anese culture, Qinqiang (秦腔, ''Voice of Qin '') is the oldest and most extensive Chinese Opera of the four major types of Chinese opera. The Dialect of Xi'anese is Shaanxi Hua, which is being assimilated by Standard Mandarin , but still retains much Grammar and Pronunciation from the Classical Chinese . Because of its long development as a culture, the cuisine of Xi'an is extensive as well. It is the representative of food of Northwestern China. The most well known local food is the Xi'anese snack, a traditional food of the Hui People . Hui-style snacks feature beef and mutton because the Hui people do not eat pork. Baked beef and mutton, buns with beef, mutton pancake and mutton soup are some of the tasty Hui dishes one can enjoy in Xi'an. Sights
Economy Xi'an's GDP per capita was ¥27,893 (US$3,397) in 2003, ranked no. 39 among 659 Chinese cities. Xi'an is the most industrialized and developed city in northwestern China. Xi'an has also consistently received one of the largest FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) amounts among cities in western China. {Link without Title} Transportation A subway construction project was planned in 2002 to be completed by 2006. The projected Xi'an subway (No. 1 line) would start from the northwest area of Xi'an city and stop at the Xi'an Textile City with a total length of 19.74 km. The previous feasibility study didn't get the approval from the Beijing Central Government. In 2004 a new Feasibility study was carried out by the Spanish consortium SUE (Spanish United Engineering) integrated by INOCSA, EUROESTUDIOS and PROINTEC, with a total length of 26.22 km, including 15 stations, a train depot and a multifunction base. According to this Study, the Line 1 will be completed in 2009. The Xi'an Xianyang International Airport serves as Xi'an's only airport. Miscellaneous Xi'an is the Sister City with Kyoto ( Japan ), Pau ( France ), Québec ( Canada ), Lahore ( Pakistan ), Dortmund ( Germany ), and Kansas City, Missouri ( United States ). Colleges and universities Xi'an is known as one of the academic centers in China. The number of Institutions is the third only after Beijing and Shanghai . The private institutions are famous in the country. ''Public''
''Private''
Note: Institutions without full-time bachelor programs are not listed. ''For details'', see List Of Universities In Mainland China Additional Images Gates of City Wall, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower Image:Torre del tambor.jpg|South Gate Image:ChinaTrip2005-107.jpg|Xi'an Drum Tower in it's current setting Image:Xi'an Gulou.jpg|The Xi'an Drum Tower Image:XiAn_ZhongLou.jpg|Bell Tower at Xian Zhonglou Big & Small Wild Goose Pagoda Image:ChinaTrip2005-110.jpg|Close up of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Image:Great Goose Pagoda Day 2005.jpg|Big Wild Goose Pagoda, South Side Image:XianFountains.JPG|A spectacular fountain show takes place near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, up to several times a day Image:Xiao yan ta.jpg|Small Wild Goose Pagoda External links
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