Volunteer in Xi'an

Shaanxi Province is located in the very heart of China. Boasting a population of more than 36 million in an area of over 200,000 square kilometers (about 77,225 square miles), Shaanxi includes most of the middle stretch of the Yellow River. Because of it's central location, Shaanxi serves as a vital industrial, transportation, and communication junction for the country. Some of China's earliest inhabitants lived in this region, and began spreading their culture along the life-sustaining Yellow River. Throughout the province's long history, 13 dynasties established capitals here, including the Zhou, the Qin, the Han, and the Tang. Because of this rich history, cultural relics and ruins are plentiful, and may be found preserved both above- and underground. So Shaanxi is called the "authentic history museum" of China.

Historic attractions are numerous. One of the oldest is the Banpo Village Remains, the site of a 6000-year-old village which belongs to the Neolithic Age. In the capital city, Xi'an, you can see the City Wall, which was begun in the Han Dynasty, a century before the Christian era, and is now the largest and most well-preserved ancient wall, existing in China. Many ancient structures and temples remain to this day, such as the Big Goose Pagoda built in 652, Famen Temple, Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Perhaps best known is the amazing Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses who guard a site honored as the Eighth Great Wonder of the world.