"Being one of China's oldest cities with more than 3,000 years of history, Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province in the country's less developed west, is just one day away from opening its first subway line on Friday. Known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty about 400 years ago, Xi'an has served as the capital for 13 dynasties spanning a total of 1,100 year." (Quoted from article)