Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province in central China, is a sprawling city rich in history. Formerly known as Chang’an, meaning “Eternal Peace,” it served as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and was home to the ruling houses of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. For over 1,100 years, it stood as China’s capital, embodying the nation’s ancient history and cultural grandeur.

Since the economic reforms of the 1980s, Xi’an has re-emerged as a key cultural, industrial, political, and educational hub for the central-northwest region, boasting numerous research and development facilities.

Notably, Xi’an is near the burial site of Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221–207 BCE), whose famed terracotta soldiers were unearthed in 1974, drawing global attention to the city’s historical significance.

Xi’an’s central location and ethnic diversity have made it a focal point for various religious traditions. Buddhism is the predominant religion, followed closely by Taoism. Muslims have had a presence in Xi’an since the 700s AD, and the Great Mosque of Xi’an stands as one of the largest and most historic in China.

The Christian presence in Xi’an, however, remains small. In 2022, one of the government-approved churches, the Church of Abundance—a historic house church—was labeled a cult by local authorities. The church’s funds were seized, its leaders arrested, and the homes of many Jesus followers were raided, highlighting the challenges Christians face in this historic city.