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Published: November 22nd 2013
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A trip to Xi’an necessarily revolves around a visit to the Army of the Terracotta Warriors, although there are many other fascinating sights in the area, notably the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi, the Shannxi History Museum, the Big Goose Pagoda, the Great Mosque and the Muslim Quarter - fantastic street food at the night market! – in addition to some wonderful temples and historical buildings. Do not be deterred by the terrible pollution! Xi'an offered even more enjoyment than I had expected of it, and I would leave an additional few days in your itinerary to enjoy this intriguing city.
On a personal level, my traveling partner and I really enjoyed visiting the Taoist Temple of the Eight Immortals. The monks alone were worth the visit, and the temple itself was a treat. Highly recommended.
The Shannxi History Museum is also recommended, although we did not make it there this time. It's rated as one of the best museums in China - certainly worth a half day. Get there early for your free tickets or pay extra to skip the queue.
The Terracotta Army or the "Terracotta Warriors and Horses," the main sight in the area, is a
collection of terracotta sculptures dating from around the late third century BCE depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers, it is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor whose purpose was to protect him in his afterlife. Current estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits near Qin Huang’s mausoleum. Pit one contains the main army of more than 6,000 figures. Pit two has cavalry and infantry units as well as war chariots and is thought to represent a military guard. Pit three is the command post, with high-ranking officers and a war chariot. Pit four is empty, seemingly left unfinished by its builders.
The terracotta figures are life-sized and were originally painted with bright pigments. They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. Most originally held real weapons such as spears, swords, or crossbows, although most of the weapons were thought to have been looted shortly after the creation of the army, or have rotted
away, and the color coating has flaked off or greatly faded. Studies show that eight face molds were most likely used, and then clay was added to provide individual facial features. Upon completion, the terracotta figures were placed in the pits in precise military formation according to rank and duty.
As you leave the Terracotta Army, armed with souvenirs, and head back towards your transportation into Xi'an, do not overlook the many women plying you with delicious little persimmons and pomegranates, and the stalls selling roasted nuts and other snacks. Delicious food is to be found all over the region, and the extremely sweet and ripe miniature persimmons were some of the best fruits I've eaten anywhere.
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Nelson Chin
non-member comment
China.
Nice work...!!!