What lies beneath?

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We have had enough of big cities and are now in need of some fresh air.
So yesterday we decided to change our plans.
Instead of going to Shanghai, we will now be heading south to do a trip down the Yangtze River.





Decided to leave our receptionist to sort out a sleeper train to Chongqing.......
(and that's another story to be told)




But today we head for The Terracotta Warriors.
This is another one of our had to do's in China.



We had been warned about the tourist traps of organised trips, which include 6 hours of shopping.
So we took the local bus No.306 which is located east of the railway station.
( Just a few steps from the station entrance )



It's a regular bus service with no standing passengers and takes about an hour to get there.
It costs just 7rmb each way, admission to the site was 90rmb.



We boarded the bus, not sure how far it was and settled down and enjoyed the views.
(Air con was great and unexpected).



Along the way we made stops for the Hot Springs and the Kung Fu school.



Ours was the last stop.
Great, we now knew where we were to be picked up.
It was as easy as that - So do it yourselves....



There are 3 pits, as well as the museum which houses the bronze chariots.
(The lighting in pits 2 and 3 are not good.)



Also there is a 360 cinedome, which shows the story of how this amazing site came into being and of it's discovery.
Worth a look, most sight seers don't get to see this as they are rushed around the site by tour guides.....



Please enjoy the pictures and video of our day........

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Photos

This is it!!
Pit No.1 - The aircraft hanger. Where most of the Terracotta Warriors are.

Now for the Info
Saves me explaining - Got that worked out ok!!!!

They are here!!!
Pleased to see that they didnt send them all to London.....

Front of the hanger
Viewing platforms get really full when the tour parties arrive. So best to nip in, in between them. You can then take your photos without being hustled... Thats the beauty of going by local bus, you can stay as long as you like...

The dividing walls
You can see the imprint of the wooden roof beams, which originally housed the Warriors.

Missing Chariots
Rotted away or burnt....

Top end of the hanger
Some already pieced together, others waiting their turn.

Close up
It's like a scene from the living dead...

Horses
These have been worked on.

Now for the close up
They say these warriors were based on real people and not one is alike.

Still searching.....
For my double!!!!

Now for the science
These look to be painted! Excavation on the site has stopped until there is away of preserving their colour. That technology has not been invented yet, and lots still remain covered underground awaiting this new technology.......

Close up
Oh no! That's skid, but he would make a great warrior (Or should that be a zombie)!!!!!

When my backs turned
Skim finds another friend!!!
But he needs some practise at posing....

Horses!!!!
Looks like Mr Ed to me and that guy behind, don't know what he's waiting to catch...

LOOK!!!!
No head.....

Horses!!!!
Even these are not identical....

Photos don't do justice, to this sight.
Glad we came to see it for ourselves. Shame I didn't get the T Shirt, but couldn't carry any more in my backpack!!!!

Still looking
For my double....

Close up
See anyone we know yet?

Lasting reminder
Of an awesome day, never to be forgotten......

The Museum
This houses the bronze chariots. They are behind glass in a darkened room. We like many others, found it impossible to get a good photo of them....

Our best effort
One of the chariots.....

Pit 2
Just taking a rest, I do have all day. Bring your own drinks - They charge mega tourist prices!

Go On Take It.
And yes I'm still smiling!!!