xian is the capital of the Shaanxi province in the People's republic of China and a sub-provincial city. As one of the most important cities in Chinese history, Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China because it has been the capital (under various names) of 13 dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, the Sui dynasty, and the Tang. Xi'an is also renowned for being the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and for the location of the Terracotta Army, made during the Qin Dynasty. The city has more than 3,100 years of history. The ancient city of Chang'an (traditional Chinese: 長安; simplified Chinese: 长安; pinyin: Chng'ān; literally "Perpetual Peace") is within Xi'an's borders, but is offset from the existing walled city of Xi'an. The present day city walls of Xi'an are built upon the foundations of the imperial city walls of Sui and Tang dynasty Chang'an.