Cradle of Chinese Civilization and Silk Road Heritage
Shaanxi Province (陕西省) is located in north-central China, bridging eastern and western regions. Known as the birthplace of ancient Chinese civilization, Shaanxi is home to Xi’an, one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. From the Terracotta Army to the start of the Silk Road, Shaanxi blends history, culture, and modern industry.
Formation and Historical Background
- The name “Shaanxi” refers to “west of the Shan Mountains.”
- Capital city Xi’an was historically known as Chang’an, the capital of over 13 dynasties including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang.
- Starting point of the Silk Road, connecting China to Central Asia and Europe.
- The First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, unified China from this region.
- Became a formal province during the Ming Dynasty, serving as a military and administrative hub.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Province Name | Shaanxi Province (陕西省) |
| Provincial Capital | Xi’an (西安市) |
| Location | North-central China |
| Total Area | Approx. 205,800 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 39 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC+8) |
| Abbreviation | 陕 or 秦 |
| ISO Code | CN-SN |
Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Zhao Yide (赵一德) |
| Governor | Zhao Gang (赵刚) |
| Provincial Legislature | Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress |
| Administrative Body | Shaanxi Provincial People’s Government |
Administrative Divisions of Shaanxi Province
Shaanxi comprises 10 prefecture-level cities, subdivided into districts, counties, and county-level cities.
- Xi’an (西安市) – Provincial Capital
- Districts: Weiyang (未央区), Lianhu (莲湖区), Beilin (碑林区), Yanta (雁塔区), Xincheng (新城区), Baqiao (灞桥区), Chang’an (长安区), Gaoling (高陵区), Lintong (临潼区), Yanliang (阎良区)
- Counties: Zhouzhi (周至县), Huxian (户县), Lantian (蓝田县)
- Tongchuan (铜川市)
- Districts: Wangyi (王益区), Yaozhou (耀州区), Yintai (印台区)
- County: Yijun (宜君县)
- Baoji (宝鸡市)
- Districts: Jintai (金台区), Weibin (渭滨区), Chencang (陈仓区)
- Counties: Fengxiang (凤翔区), Qishan (岐山县), Fufeng (扶风县), Meixian (眉县), Longxian (陇县), Qianyang (千阳县), Linyou (麟游县), Fengxian (凤县), Taibai (太白县)
- Xianyang (咸阳市)
- Districts: Qindu (秦都区), Weicheng (渭城区), Yangling (杨陵区)
- Counties: Xingping (兴平市 – county-level city), Sanyuan (三原县), Jingyang (泾阳县), Qianxian (乾县), Liquan (礼泉县), Yongshou (永寿县), Binxian (彬州市 – county-level city), Changwu (长武县), Xunyi (旬邑县), Chunhua (淳化县), Wugong (武功县)
- Weinan (渭南市)
- Districts: Linwei (临渭区)
- County-level Cities: Hancheng (韩城市), Huayin (华阴市)
- Counties: Huazhou (华州区), Dali (大荔县), Tongguan (潼关县), Heyang (合阳县), Chengcheng (澄城县), Baishui (白水县), Pucheng (蒲城县), Fuping (富平县)
- Yan’an (延安市)
- Districts: Baota (宝塔区), Ansai (安塞区)
- Counties: Zhidan (志丹县), Yanchang (延长县), Yanchuan (延川县), Zichang (子长市 – county-level city), Ganquan (甘泉县), Luochuan (洛川县), Yichuan (宜川县), Huanglong (黄龙县), Huangling (黄陵县), Wuqi (吴起县)
- Yulin (榆林市)
- Districts: Yuyang (榆阳区), Hengshan (横山区)
- County-level Cities: Shenmu (神木市), Fugu (府谷县)
- Counties: Jiaxian (佳县), Zizhou (子洲县), Dingbian (定边县), Jingbian (靖边县), Suide (绥德县), Mizhi (米脂县), Wubu (吴堡县), Qingjian (清涧县)
- Hanzhong (汉中市)
- Districts: Hantai (汉台区)
- Counties: Nanzheng (南郑区), Chenggu (城固县), Yangxian (洋县), Xixiang (西乡县), Mianxian (勉县), Ningqiang (宁强县), Lueyang (略阳县), Zhenba (镇巴县), Liuba (留坝县), Foping (佛坪县)
- Ankang (安康市)
- Districts: Hanbin (汉滨区)
- County-level City: Ziyang (紫阳县)
- Counties: Hanyin (汉阴县), Shiquan (石泉县), Langao (岚皋县), Pingli (平利县), Xunyang (旬阳县), Zhenping (镇坪县), Baihe (白河县)
- Shangluo (商洛市)
- Districts: Shangzhou (商州区)
- Counties: Luonan (洛南县), Danfeng (丹凤县), Shangnan (商南县), Shanyang (山阳县), Zhen’an (镇安县), Zhashui (柞水县)
Summary:
| Level | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prefecture-level Cities | 10 |
| County-level Divisions | 100+ |
| Township-level Divisions | 1,700+ |
Local Government Structure
- Xi’an and major cities have municipal governments and Party Committees.
- Counties administer rural development, cultural protection, and heritage sites.
- Strong governance in Silk Road coordination, heritage conservation, and rural revitalization.
Leadership & Governance
- Strategic focus areas:
- Shaanxi Free Trade Zone (Xi’an)
- Western China economic belt and high-tech development
- Cultural tourism and heritage preservation
- Promotes innovation, agriculture, and ecological harmony
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Managed by the Shaanxi Provincial Public Security Department
- Focus areas:
- Heritage site protection
- Rural crime and disaster prevention
- Urban rail and expressway patrols
- Emergency Numbers:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire
- 120 – Ambulance
Economy & Industry
- Major sectors:
- High-tech electronics (Xi’an High-Tech Zone)
- Aerospace and aviation manufacturing
- Energy: coal, gas, and solar
- Agriculture: apples, wheat, Chinese medicinal herbs
- GDP Growth (2023): Approx. 5.8%
Education & Institutions
- Prestigious Universities:
- Xi’an Jiaotong University
- Northwestern Polytechnical University
- Northwest University
- Strong in aerospace, engineering, archaeology, and IT
Healthcare
- Top Hospitals:
- Xijing Hospital (Xi’an)
- Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital
- Northwest Women and Children’s Hospital
- Specialized centers in traditional Chinese medicine and surgical research
Transport & Connectivity
- Airports:
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
- Rail: Xi’an is a hub for northwestern high-speed rail
- Silk Road freight train routes to Europe
- Expressways link with Chengdu, Beijing, Lanzhou
Tourism & Attractions
- Terracotta Warriors – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Mount Hua (Huashan) – famous Taoist mountain
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall
- Silk Road historical sites, Tang Paradise Park
- Famen Temple, Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum
Culture & Lifestyle
- Birthplace of Qin and Han civilizations
- Known for Shaanxi opera (Qinqiang), folk dances, and storytelling
- Cuisine: roujiamo (Chinese burger), biangbiang noodles, paomo (bread soaked in lamb soup)
- Rich New Year folk customs and lantern festivals
Summary
Shaanxi Province is a living museum of Chinese civilization — from emperors to explorers. As a hub of heritage, innovation, and the western corridor of China’s rise, Shaanxi stands proudly at the intersection of past and future.