Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an, is the capital city of Shaanxi Province in China, situated in the northwest region of the country, in the central part of the Guanzhong Plain. It lies along the middle reaches of the Yellow River, with the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Wei River to the north, surrounded by hills and rivers, and is one of China’s four ancient capitals.
Specifically, Xi’an is located between 107°40′ to 109°49′ east longitude and 33°42′ to 34°45′ north latitude. The city is bordered by the Wei River and the Loess Plateau to the north, the Qinling Mountains to the south, the Linghe River and the Bayuan Mountain to the east, and the Taibai Mountain and the Qinghua Loess Plateau to the west. Such geographical location endows Xi’an with unique natural conditions and rich historical and cultural resources.
Xi’an is not only an important city in Chinese history but also a crucial hub for modern transportation. With its strategic location bridging the east and west, and connecting the north and south, Xi’an serves as a vital transportation hub for national trunk lines such as the Longhai Railway and the Lianyungang-Horgos Expressway, as well as a gateway and transportation hub connecting the northern regions of China to the southwest, northwest, central south, east, and north China.
Xi’an is adjacent to several important cities. It borders Weinan, Shangluo, and Sanmenxia in Henan Province to the east, Xianyang to the west, Ankang and Hanzhong to the south, and Weinan, Tongchuan, and Yan’an to the north. This geographical position gives Xi’an a significant advantage in regional cooperation and development.
In terms of climate, Xi’an has a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate, with distinct seasons of cold, warm, dry, and wet. Winters are cold with little wind and often foggy, while springs are warm, dry, windy, and changeable. Summers are hot and rainy, while autumns are cool with a noticeable drop in temperature. Such climatic conditions provide a favorable environment for agricultural production and residents’ lives in Xi’an.
Moreover, Xi’an is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization and the Chinese nation. It is the starting point of the Silk Road and has served as the capital of more than ten dynasties in history. The city’s rich historical and cultural heritage endows it with unique charm and significance.