Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors

Trip Start Jan 22, 2009

Trip End Ongoing

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Flag of China Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Wednesday, February 11, 2009

After a very hectic taxi ride through fireworks and explosions (it was the last day of Chinese New Year) and nearly missing our train out of Qufu we were very pleased to be met at the station by the lovely hostel staff in China's third most popular city to study Mandarin.

Xi'an was sunny and friendly and the food was great! Apart from that the main attraction was going to see the Terracotta Army, which was magnificent. Around 1,000 warriors have been excavated and they estimate that a total of 8,000 were buried. Each figure has different features and the army includes a full complement of soldiers, archers, officers and horses. Similarly to the great wall (begun during the same dynasty) the scale alone is impressive. The museum is built around the archaeological pits so you get the full effect of their burial.

On the way home we went to some hot springs where various emperors used to take their favorite concubines. You get a little room and a bath plugged in to the springs, after lots of mediocre showers it was lovely and relaxing.