Xian, the capital of Shaanxi Province, is located in the central area of the Northwest of China. Xian is one of the most ancient capitals in China because Xian had been the capital of 12 dynasties from 1046 BC to 907 AD. During Han and Tang dynasties, Xian was called Changan that literally means "Eternal Peace". Xian is the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and well-known as the site of the life-size Terracotta Army. Xian is a great place for travelers to learn more about glorious ancient China because it is the birth cradle of Chinese civilization.