Historic city continues to attract as it charges ahead

Terracotta warriors attract many visitors from around the world.

Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, has been making the headlines following Samsung Electronics' recent announcement of a record $7 billion (5.6 billion euros) investment in the city.

The move by the South Korean giant helps seal Xi'an as a major destination for foreign investment in western China, as the provincial capital undergoes rapid modernization and globalization.

But as any fan of Chinese history knows, Xi'an is much more than that.

The ancient Chinese capital, formerly known as Chang'an, or Perpetual Peace, was once the largest settlement in the world. Home to 13 Chinese dynasties and the capital of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), Xi'an preserves priceless facets of China's glorious past, even as it charges ahead along with the country's development.

Xi'an rewards visitors with an amazing number of precious relics and historical sites.

Its Terracotta Army is justifiably known as the eighth wonder of the world. The ancient Silk Road also started there, through which China's influence spread westward.

All these sights mean visitors will still be able to get a fair share of history and culture on short or weekend trips to the city.

Xi'an City Wall boasts the most complete city wall in China's history.