This fascinating visual tour of two historic Chinese capitals includes 48 full-page colour photos; the accompanying text discusses the history, significance, and interesting details associated with each of the treasures pictured. Beijing was the capital city of five imperial dynasties. The emperors' legacies include the Imperial Palace, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Gate. Xian was the capital for over a thousand years, hosting other powerful dynasties. At the eastern end of the famous Silk Road, it was a centre of international trade and cultural exchange as early as the first or second century BC. Today, Xian houses a wealth of archaeological treasures, the most famous of which is the army of 8000 life-sized terra-cotta warriors in the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang. Other attractions include the Forest of Steles and the Banpo Neolithic village.