Xianyang, city in northern China, located 25 km (16 mi) northwest of Xi'an in central Shaanxi Province. Industries in Xianyang produce color televisions, electrical appliances, textiles, clothing, machinery, food products, and building materials. Coal mines and limestone quarries also contribute to the city's economy. Leading agricultural products of the region include wheat, corn, and cotton. The Longhai rail line passes through Xianyang and connects the city with Baoji and Lanzhou to the west and Xi'an and Shanghai to the east. Archaeological relics found in the Xianyang area date from as far back as 4000 years. In 221 BC, the first Qin dynasty (221-206 BC) emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, united six states to found the Chinese empire and established the first Chinese imperial court at Xianyang. In later years Xianyang served as the first major stop for trade caravans leaving the imperial capital at Chang'an (now Xi'an) to travel the Silk Road. Population (1991) 292,812.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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