The first settlers of northern China chose the fertile and water rich valley of Huanghe, the Yellow River. There were few natural defenses, but the weapons of the time required little more than a wide and deep moat around a settlement to ensure sufficient protection from would-be attackers. Logistics was less important with an abundance of food nearby. Rich archaeological finds testify to settlements around today’s Anyang and Luoyang (Erlitou). (Click map top left).

The arrival of halberds, cavalry, chariots and armor raised the bar for security. Organized societies needed capitals for the government and rulers needed protection for themselves and their followers. About 1,000 year BC the Western Zhou chose the more defensible area around today’s Xi’an over the open plains of Luoyang.

Weihe flowing eastward through Xianyang

Xi’an is cradled in the low-lying, narrow basin of Weihe, the Yellow River’s largest tributary. It offers added protection from the Tongguan pass to the east, the Baoji town to the west, the tall Qinling mountain range to the south and the loess plateau to the north.

Xi’an remained China’s favorite capital up until the breakup of the Tang dynasty in the early 900’s after which the area of Beijing took over as a favorite location.