Definition

Proper noun: * Xi'an: A major city in central China, historically significant as the capital of ancient Chinese empires, most notably during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). It is the capital of Shaanxi Province.

Usage

• Xi'an is used as a proper noun to refer to the specific geographic location and its historical context.
  • We visited the Terracotta Army in Xi'an.
  • Xi'an was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road.
  • The ancient capital, Xi'an, is a popular tourist destination.

Advanced Usage

• The name Xi'an itself translates to "Western Peace." It was historically known as Chang'an ("Perpetual Peace") when it served as the capital for multiple dynasties, including the Han and Tang.
  • The city now called Xi'an was known as Chang'an for over a millennium.

Variants and Related Words

• Chang'an: The historical name for the city during several of its most prosperous periods as an imperial capital.
• Shaanxi: The province of which Xi'an is the capital.

Synonyms

• (Historical) Chang'an

Related Phrases

• Xi'an City Wall: Refers to the well-preserved fortifications surrounding the old city center.
  • Cycling on the Xi'an City Wall offers great views.
• Xi'an Incident: Refers to a major political event in 1936 that temporarily united Chinese factions against Japan.
  • The Xi'an Incident was a turning point in modern Chinese history.

Noun

1. a city of central China; capital of ancient Chinese empire 221-206 BC