Lántián

Lantian lies southeast of Xi'an at the northern approaches to the Qinling Mountains, where valleys connect the Guanzhong plain with routes toward southern districts. Cultivation, hills, and river corridors support settlements whose position gives them access to both lowland markets and mountain resources. The district's long cultural memory includes associations with jade and the landscapes celebrated in Chinese literature. Roads through this country have practical importance far beyond local farming.

Lantian remained a county through the Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods; in the latter two it belonged to Xi'an prefecture. Its position on routes across the Qinling gave it a place in travel between Guanzhong and the southeast. Historical writings also associate the name Lantian with jade, although interpretations of old references to its origin have differed.