Xi 'an, formerly known as Chang 'an and Haojing, is now the capital of Shaanxi Province, a sub-provincial city, an important central city in western China approved by the State Council, and an important national scientific research, education and industrial base. Xi is one of the four ancient capitals in China, a "world historical city" determined by UNESCO 198 1, and one of the top ten ancient capitals in the world selected by American media.