# Chang'an, Tang Empire

> capital of the Tang Empire

**Wikidata**: [Q10923028](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10923028)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chang-an-tang-empire

## Summary  
Chang'an was the capital of the Tang Empire from 618 to 904, serving as a political, cultural, and economic hub in East Asia. Renamed from Daxing during the Sui dynasty, it was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities of its time, renowned for its urban planning and architectural achievements. Today, it is recognized as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level in China.  

## Key Facts  
- Served as the capital of the **Tang dynasty** from **618** to **904**.  
- Coordinates: **34.2667° N, 108.9° E**.  
- Located in modern-day **Xincheng District**, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.  
- Aliases include **Daxing**, **Tang Chang'an**, and **Sui Capital of Daxing and Tang Capital of Chang'an**.  
- Heritage designation: **Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level** (ID: 4-0047-1-047), designated on **November 20, 1996**.  
- Instance of: **city** and **cultural heritage of China**.  
- Differentiated from the broader concept of **Chang'an** (historical name used across multiple dynasties).  
- Commons category: **Tang Chang'an**; Wikipedia languages: **Japanese**, **Chinese**.  
- Encyclopedia of China (3rd ed.) ID: **569701**.  

## FAQs  
**Q: When was Chang'an the capital of the Tang Empire?**  
A: It served as the capital from **618** to **904**, spanning most of the Tang dynasty's rule.  

**Q: Where is Tang Chang'an located today?**  
A: The site is in **Xincheng District**, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.  

**Q: Why is Chang'an historically significant?**  
A: It was a global center of trade, culture, and politics, symbolizing the zenith of Tang prosperity and influence.  

**Q: How is this Chang'an different from other cities with the same name?**  
A: This entry specifically refers to the Tang-era capital, distinct from earlier or later settlements named Chang'an.  

**Q: What protections does the site have today?**  
A: It is a **Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level** in China since 1996.  

## Why It Matters  
Chang'an was the epitome of urban civilization during the Tang dynasty, embodying advancements in architecture, governance, and multicultural exchange. As a terminus of the Silk Road, it facilitated East-West trade and cultural diffusion, shaping the identity of East Asia. Its legacy endures as a symbol of China's historical greatness and a precursor to modern Xi'an.  

## Notable For  
- One of the **largest cities in the world** during the 7th–9th centuries, with a population exceeding 1 million.  
- Home to the **Giant Wild Goose Pagoda**, a landmark of Buddhist scripture translation and cultural exchange.  
- A model of **Tang urban planning**, featuring grid layouts, fortified walls, and distinct functional districts.  
- Recognized as a **UNESCO World Heritage Site** (part of the Silk Roads network).  

## Body  
### History  
Chang'an originated as **Daxing**, the capital of the Sui dynasty (581–618), before being renamed and expanded under the Tang. Its strategic location facilitated control over northern China and access to Silk Road trade routes. The city declined after the Tang collapse in 904 but remained a cultural touchstone.  

### Geography and Layout  
The city was situated at **34.2667° N, 108.9° E**, covering approximately 84 km². Its walls formed a rectangular grid aligned with cardinal directions, enclosing administrative, commercial, and residential zones. The **Xincheng District** in modern Xi'an now occupies part of the historical site.  

### Cultural and Historical Significance  
As a cosmopolitan metropolis, Chang'an attracted diplomats, merchants, and scholars from Persia, India, and beyond. Its status as a **Major Historical and Cultural Site** (1996) reflects its importance in Chinese history. The site includes ruins of palaces, temples, and the **Giant Wild Goose Pagoda**, a 7-story structure built in 652 CE.  

### Legacy and Modern Recognition  
Today, Tang Chang'an is studied for its urban design and multicultural heritage. Its legacy is preserved through archaeological remains, historical records, and digital reconstructions. The **commons category "Tang Chang'an"** and multilingual Wikipedia entries (Japanese, Chinese) highlight its global academic relevance.  

### Technical Designations  
- **SNARC ID**: fox  
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/155rb6s5  
- **Encyclopedia of China (3rd ed.) ID**: 569701  

### Related Entities  
- **Xincheng District**: Modern administrative region encompassing the historical site.  
- **Tang dynasty**: The empire it served as capital for, marked by cultural and territorial zenith.  
- **Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level**: National heritage designation.

## References

1. [Source](http://dtdj.cchicc.org.cn/#/stateprotect)
2. Q125790704