Xianyang's history begins with the Qin State, which established the city as its capital in 350 BC during the Warring States period. Under King Xiao of Qin, the city was strategically developed on the north bank of the Wei River, with city walls stretching for miles.
The city's golden age came when Qin Shi Huang unified China in 221 BC and made Xianyang the capital of his empire. He embarked on massive construction projects, including the Epang Palace (never completed) and his own mausoleum. The imperial city was said to be magnificent, with palaces and buildings that seemed to touch the sky.
After the Qin Dynasty's collapse, the Han Dynasty established nearby Chang'an (modern Xi'an) as its capital, but Xianyang remained an important regional center. The area became a favored location for imperial tombs, with Han Dynasty emperors and Tang Dynasty royalty choosing sites in the surrounding hills.
During the Tang Dynasty, Xianyang served as the western gateway to the capital Chang'an. The ancient ferry crossing on the Wei River was a crucial stop on the Silk Road, where merchants and travelers crossed before entering the imperial city.
Today, Xianyang preserves its imperial heritage while developing as a modern industrial and agricultural center. The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors in 1974 brought international attention and transformed the city into a major tourism destination.
