Province of Shaanxi, China

Province of Shaanxi - The Spiritual Cradle of Chinese History

The province is the gate to the Northwest of China. It is located in the center of the country and is considered the spiritual cradle of Chinese culture and history as well as the starting point of the Silk Road. There, in the city of Chang’an (now the administrative center of Xi’an province) originated the legendary trade route to the West. The province has very ancient and rich history. For over 1,000 years it was the political, economic and cultural center of ancient China. Capitals of 13 dynasties, including such well-known as Zhou, Qing, Han, Sui, Tang were situated there. The country was governed from there for 1,180 years.

In antiquity the province was called “Qing”. The periods of its prosperity were under the rule of Han (206 BC – 220 AD) and Tang (618-907) dynasties. The civilization of feudal system there was the highest in the world.

Shaanxi is also known for its amazing nature.  The Qinlin ridge, the Huashan and Taihuashan mountains, the Hukou waterfall, the Loess plateau, the biggest fresh-water lake in desert, the cave of stalactites in Shangluo and the hot spring Huaqing which is the first natural hot spring  in the history of China are among the natural landmarks.

Shaanxi is one of the favorite places for tourists from China and all over world because there are so many historical monuments of ancient culture.

The territory of the province hosts 72 tombs of emperors, the proof its importance as public, economic and cultural center of China during various periods of its rich history.