Xi'an. China

Xi'an was once the end point of the Silk Road and a mixing area of various cultures, in addition to the home of emperors, courtesans, poets, merchants and warriors. Yet visitors can feel disappointed by the modern-day version. But even though its glory days ended in the early 900s AD, many elements of ancient Xi'an are still alive and well. The ancient city walls remain intact, vendors of all types still throng the narrow streets of the Muslim Quarter, and there are enough places of interest to keep even the most avid history-buff entertained. While it's no longer China’s political capital, it’s realized the value of its hallowed history. Recently, the city has been campaigning to add the Silk Road to the Unesco World Heritage List.