Back to 'Everlasting Peace'

Xi'an, Shaanxi province, is recovering the glory of its past, when it used to be known as Chang'an ("Everlasting Peace") and was China's capital during the Western Han (206 BC-AD 24), Tang (AD 618-907) and other dynasties.

The local government is repairing the ancient city walls and 10 grand gates. As a result smart businessmen have seized the chance to set up eateries and inns in alleys nearby.

Last October, a project to rebuild the imperial Daming Palace, from the Tang Dynasty, was launched. It covers an area of 20 sq km. In three years, tourists should be able to walk in the famed Taiyechi, where Tang emperors and their consorts used to spend much of their leisure time.