Xian is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Changan before the Ming Dynasty. Xian is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held the position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. Xian is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.