The history of Xian can be traced back to 5000 BC when a prosperous, agricultural society flourished. Since that time the city, known in Chinese as 'Everlasting Peace', has welcomed visitors traveling along the famous Silk Road. Indeed, the likes of Marco Polo and Genghis Khan have passed through the famous city walls of China's ancient capital. For nearly 1000 years, Xian was the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in the world.

Much of this magnificent history lives side by side with today's Xian. The city walls remain unspoilt and offer a unique spectacle to visitors. The beautiful Bell Tower and adjacent Drum Tower in the city centre stand elegantly among modern-day buildings. Only 50 minutes from the city is the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Qin Emperor's Terracotta Warriors, and to the west, the majestic Hua Shan Mountain is breathtaking.