Preface Introduction The Land of Abundance and the Cradle of Chinese Civilization Lantian Ape-man--from Ape to Man Splendor of the Matriarchal Clan Society—Banpo Man Ancestors of the Chinese and Home to Yandi and the Yellow Emperor Cang Jie Inventing the Chinese Writing System—Farewell to the Uncivilized Society A State of Rituals and Music Birthplace of Agriculture in China The State Capital of Feng and Hao A Civilization Featuring Advanced Music and Ritual System Home to Bronze Ware The First Unified State--the Qin Empire Shang Yang's Political Reforms--Drive of Social Development Pursuit of Bigness and Grandness Xianyang--the No. 1 Capital City of China A Political System of Far-reaching Influence chi dao andzhi dao---the Oldest Express Way The Greatest National Treasure--Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang and the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Zhang Qian Opening the Path into Western Regions and the Starting Point of the Silk Road Transport Center in Ancient China--Shaanxi Zhang Qian Opening the Silk Road Heavenly Horses and Pomegranate Blossom from Western Regions--Economic and Cultural Exchange Brought by the Silk Road Officials in Dresses from all over the World Worshipped the Emperor the Prosperity of the Silk Road in the Tang Dynasty Religions Converge at the Birthplace of Buddhism and Taoism Behold a High Mountain with Awe -Louguantai, the Dissemination of Classic of the Virtue of the Tao and the Birthplace of Taoism Buddhism Capital Shaanci--Buddhism Has Eight Schools, Six of Them Originated from Shaanxi Stone Tablet Proves the History—the Introductionand Development of Nestorianism and OtherForeign Religions City of Military Importance in Northwest China Guarantees Long-term Peace andStability Hanjiang River, Hanzhong Area and the Han People Hanjiang River, Hanzhong Area, Guanzhong Area and the Han Dynasty Chang'an--the First International Metropolis in Chinese History Reforms during the Reign of Emperor Wendi and Emperor Jingdi of Han and Emperor Wudi 's Territory Expansion Sima Qian and Shiji--a Renowned Historic Record The Pyramid of China--the Imperial Mausoleum of the Western Han Dynasty The Splendid Arts in the Han Dynasty A Blend of Ethnic Minorities--Rule under the Sui Dynasty Center of National Integration Spread of Buddhism and Center of Buddhist Script Translation Center of North-south Cultural Convergence Sui Dynasty~Reunifieation and Institutional Innovation City of Military Importance in Northwest China—Xi’an City The Treasure House of Oriental Culture Xi 'anBeilin The Practical Thinking of Guanxue The No. I Temple of Wuyue--Xiyue Temple Red Torch Brightened the Holy Land of China's Revolution Constitution Protection Movement against Yuan Shikai and the Northern Expedition The Torch of Revolution in Northwest China—Weihua Uprising Xi'an lncident—Turning Point of the Politieal Situation The Red Holy Land for Revolution—Yan 'an Picturesque Qinling, China's Dragon Vein A Miraculous Mountain Paradise of Animals and Plants China's Central National Park China's "Dragon Vein"