From Beijing we flew directly to Xian. Our main reason to visit Xian was to see the "eighth wonder of the world"...the Army of Terracotta Warriors. The Terracotta Warriors were not discovered until 1974 when a peasant farmer was drilling a well and discovered the underground army. It is considered one of the most famous archaeological finds in the world. The thousands of warriors are believed to be built to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huany in his afterlife, where he believed he would still be the ruler. The most interesting fact of the Terracotta Warriors is that no two soldier's faces are alike. It is truly a unique site, and we were glad to experience this part of history.
Over 6,000 warriors and horses all facing east and ready for battle just in pit one
The unique soldiers
Eric marveling
The infantry was composed at chariots made of wood, but the chariots have disintegrated.
Different ranks of officers
In rows ready for battle
Me and the soldiers that are still being put together
More excavation
One of my favorite soldiers- an archer
Our photo-op with history
Yang Xinman- the peasant farmer who discovered the Army of Terracotta Warriors
Puppets used in the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics
After seeing the Army of Terracotta Warriors, we ventured around Xian for more historical sites.
Stairs to the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang- we climbed all of these
Huaqing Hot Springs with the Black Horse Mountain (Li Shan) in the background
Resting on the architecture
Buddha and his gifts (he has a lot of bottled water & cigarettes)
The Wrights in Xian
Light post with the Chinese good luck symbol
Original city wall of Xian with the Bell & Drum Tower
The only city wall I have ever seen
Pagoda
Muslim Quarter
Butcher shop with no air conditioning or freezer...not sure I would buy from here
Chicken or duck?
Me in the Muslim Quarter with the hustle and bustle of activity
Now, off to Shanghai, China...
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