From the Dutch brood, the German brot and the Frisian brea, the Old English bread is a food type popular around the world and as old as organised civilisation. It is the staple food in Europe and European-influenced cultures in the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, in contrast to the importance of rice in East and Southeast Asia.

Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.

Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.

Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.