XIAN The ancient Chinese capital of Xian - also spelled Xi'an - is one of the richest cultural centres in the world and a fantastic tourist destination.



Not only does it boast some of the most impressive relics, including the Terracotta army, but is still an exciting and vibrant city very much alive today.

More than 8 million people live in the city and it is a destination for tens of thousands of foreign and Chinese tourists every year.

Xian marks the Eastern starting point for the Silk Trail, which once stretched right across Asia and ended at the Turkish capital of Istanbul.

And if that were not reason enough to visit this historic city, it is also at the heart of some of the most beautiful scenery in China.

Toby Walne is an award-winning national journalist who has travelled extensively around the world - including the great ancient Chinese city of Xian.