Stock Photo - XI´AN, CHINA. Xi´an University of Architecture and Technology. Campu, and canteen Xi´an, formerly romanized as Sian,is the capital of Shaanxi province, located in the northwest of the People´s Republic of China, in the center of the Guanzhong Plain. One of the oldest cities in China, the city was known as Chang´an before the Ming dynasty.Xi´an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held the position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.Xi´an is the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Street scene.