Xian- from a late night train

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Hi all. I hope everyone is well back home. I’m in Melbourne at the moment after having had an amazing five weeks in China and Hong Kong (I’m already planning the next China/Asia trip there is so much to see and it’s so easy to get around independently the hostel network is excellent). There are quite a few China blogs to catch up on so here is the second one. The overnight train from Beijing was comfortable in soft sleeper class and after some food and a DVD I managed to get some sleep and we soon arrived in Xian 12 hours later. Xian is one of the oldest cities in China and one of four great ancient cities having held this position under the following Dynasties ; Zhan, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang and is also the eastern terminus of the famous Silk Road. Most visitors come for the Terracota Army. These are terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The army was buried with the Emperor as funerary art in 210-209 BC and the purpose was to protect the Emperor in his afterlife. The figures were discovered by some local farmers in 1974 (one of whom we saw at the museum). The figures include generals, warriors, chariots and horses. It is estimated that there are over 8,800 figures the majority of which are still buried. There was much excavation work still going on when we visited that is carried out at night. The warriors are amazing and each one unique with a different face which is believed to be that of those of the workers who were killed when it was all completed to keep the burial location secret (the bones of the villagers were also discovered). Xian itself is a pretty average City and it didn’t impress me as Beijing had however the ancient walls around the city were impressive and the Muslim quarter was a fascinating place with interesting food stalls. The hostel Hang Tang Inn was really good they put on a theme night where we learnt to cook Chineese dumplings. There were lots of other travellers staying there and heading to different places in China and South East Asia it was great to swap travel plans and here about some of the other places in China that I hadn’t thought of going to. There were also lots of other people on the same conventional route as me that I would see again later in the trip. Take care all let me know how everthing's going back . Rob home

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Comments

[Nan]

Hello Rob, I'm just looking at your photos and it seems as if you're having a very good time. I wish I was there with you! Don't over do it 'cause you know you have to go back to work! It's very hot here, the hottest it's been for a few years I think! Everyone has their windows open and are in summer clothes. But monday winter should be back! Well Rob, I must say goobye now, have a good time and I'll see you after Christmas :) Love, Nan xxxxxxx *P.S. If you email Jo, We can send you a picture of Nan playing the guitar... She was actually pretty good! :D x