Essential China: Xi'an

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Features: This book is a guidebook about Xi'an. Xi'an, anciently known as Chang'an, is a renowned ancient capital that embodies the rich 5,000-year history and culture of China, now serving as the capital of Shaanxi Province. The book introduces major tourist attractions in Xi'an, including World Wonders, the Terracotta Army; Cultural Treasures, a collection of national treasures; Ancient Architecture Gems, the Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas; Imperial Tombs of Past Dynasties, majestic and magnificent; Ancient Sites, once glorious; Famous Temples and Monasteries, Buddhist scenic spots; the Xi'an Incident, forever recorded in history; and Famous Mountains and Waters, beautiful scenery.
The term "Seven Wonders of the World" refers to seven magnificent architectural and sculptural marvels in the ancient world, particularly from the era of Alexander the Great of Macedon (356-323 BC) in Western Asia, North Africa, and the Aegean region. This concept first appeared in the essays of the Hellenistic writer Antipater of Sidon (2nd century BC) and later was mentioned by the Byzantine orator Philo. Initially, the list of the Seven Wonders varied in content, but by the 6th century AD, a more standardized version emerged. They are:
1. The Pyramids of Egypt
2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (located south of Baghdad in modern-day Iraq)
3. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (a Greek colonial city on the western coast of Asia Minor, now part of Turkey)