Xi'an

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Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province was the largest city in the world during Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) & it was called Chang'an back then. For 1100 years, Xi'an served as capital for 13 imperial dynasties.

Xi'an's greatest attaraction is Bingmayong (Terracota Warriors). Is ralatively easy to travel in this ancient city. In the town centre, places of interest such as Zhonglou (Bell Tower - was built in 1384 & moved to its present site in 1582), Gulou (Drum Tower - resembling Bell Tower & dating from the 14th century), Da Qinggzhen Si (The Great Mosque - dates back to the Ming period) is a walking distance from each other.

Outside the city walls & about 1km from Nanmen is Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda - 46 meters high) which was built in the 8th century. Dayan Ta (Great Wild Goose Pagoda - 64 meters high) was built at the beginning of Tang Dynasty, in 652 by Crown Prince Li Zhi as a memorial to his deceased mother.

Terracota Warriors, lies 35km east of Xi'an, at the foot of Li Shan. In 1974, peasants digging a well uncovered these life-sized figures of horses & warriors. In Pit 1, the figures are arranged in a typical battle formation in 11 columns comprised of officers, soldiers holding spears and swords, steering horse-drawn chariots. Each figure is about 5'10" tall and each head has been individually modelled with unique facial expressions.

Pit 2 & Pit 3 were discovered in 1976 are significantly smaller in size but feature similar fifures in battle formation. Since 1974, over 7000 terracotta figures thus far excavated have been restored by archaeologists and it was said only covered 10%.

Terracota Warriors is only part of a grand tomb, called Qin Shihuang Ling; built by the first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi who unified China. Under his reign, weights and measures, currency, writings were standardised, highways were constructed, waterways and canals were dug for water transportation, parts of the great wall were built. However, he was a brutal emperor. He ordered the murdered of hundred of scholars critical of his rule & burning of books. Even up to today , there are some ppl condemned & never forgive him for this act!

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