th geographically and socially. She is the gateway and communication axis for western provinces. Xian isthe biggest central city in the second European-Asia Continental Bridge-LongHai and LanXin Road, its economic strategic importance is naturally indicated. Because of its geographic and historic priority, Xian has become the number one commodise distribution center and goods exchange place in the whole Northwest Region of China. Besides, the rich historical culture treasure and advance arts and science resources have helped Xian seats top of the Six Ancient Capitals in China, as well as one of the four World Ancient Civilization Capitals.
Xian is the largest commercial and trade-hub, as well as the largest material distribution center in theMid-Western Region of northern China. As shown in a report in 1998, there are more than 100,000 commercial service networks, 435 consumption markets, and 485 various types of wholesale markets, and nearly 1,000 wholesale agencies.
Through fifty years development, Xian has already set up sordidindustry basement in certain areas. Aviation, aerospace, electronics, machinery, communications, instruments and meters, and electric power are typical industry in Xian. In some of these areas, the industries in Xian has not only reached the top level in China, but also has equaled to the world advance level.
Xian has formed a transportation network of air routes, railways and highways. Xian Civil Airline Service has opened 95 domestic airlines to 44 cities, two international airlines to Nagoya and Hiroshima in Japan and regio nal airlines to Hongkong and Marco. It also has opened direct lines to Okinawa and Fukuoka in Japan and Jidda in Saudi Arabia. Hi