Shaanxi Province is located centrally within China, with an area of 205,600 square kilometers, and a population of 39.5 million. A visit to Shaanxi will immerse you in a study of Chinese history, as the province is recognized as one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization due to its incredible significance to Chinas history and culture. Once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xian, the provincial capital, enjoys equal fame with Athens, Cairo, and Rome as one of the four major capitals of ancient civilization.