Xi'an was one of the most important cradles of Chinese civilization. It marked the start of the famous "Silk Road" that linked China with central Asia and the Roman Empire. And it served as the first capital of a unified China and capital of 11 dynasties periodically from the 11th century BC to the early 10th century AD. Xi'an, or Chang'an as it was called in ancient times, is known as the city of "Everlasting Peace", which should definitely not be missed on your journey through China. Located between rivers and mountains in the center of the fertile Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi province, Xi'an--the provincial --is the natural place to nurture the nation's civilization. Back in the Neolithic Age, about 6,000 years ago, as excavations show, a matriarchal clan was formed at Banpo village in the region.