Xi'An/China's Ancient Capital (CHINA GUIDES SERIES)

Dubbed "the land of kings and emperors" by the poet Du Fu, Xian reigned supreme over four dynasties as China's capital Chang'an. Archaeological discoveries reflect Xian's past glories - such as the Sera Metropolis, start of the old Silk Road. Special topics include the peasant painters of Huxian, the concubine Yang Guifei and the Xian incident. Set in a historical context, this guide takes the reader round Xian starting from early Paleolithic sites, past Qin Shihaungdi's terracotta warriors to a park created during Chairman Mao's Great Leap Forward. Literary excerpts and sidebars illuminate local culture. Simon Holledge has also written "Guide to Zhejiang and Hangzhou".