The capital of Shanxi Province was once the largest settlement in the world. Today the walls of the Ming dynasty and the Tang palace walls hint at the city's glorious past. But to get a real idea of Xi'an's former might, stare in awe at the 7000 massed terra-cotta Qin Bingmayong Bowuguan warriors and soldiers. Don't miss the Snahxi History Museum or a chance to heat up at former imperial bathing spot, Huaqing Hot Springs. Catch taxis or be brave and bike around the flat, but hectic, city.