Xi'an

We spent two full days (October 1st and 2nd) in Xi'an. What was once the largest city in the world (in 618-907AD) with 1 million people then, it is now a modern city- complete with brand name malls and boutiques, tourist amenities such as Starbucks, Pizza Hut and KFC. It also is home to the 20th century's greatest archaeological find: The Terracotta Warriors.

After our overnight train arrival, we drove an hour and spent the day exploring and learning about the Terracotta Army. This reputed 8th wonder of the world was only recently discovered by a farmer, digging a well, in 1974. Qin Shi Huang, the emperor who began the construction of the great wall and "unified" China by commanding one language and power, had the Terracotta Army built to guard his tomb. It's believed that 700,000 laborers worked for 36 years to create 8000 life size, immaculately crafted stone soldiers to protect this tyrant Emperor after his death. No soldier is the same, as the laborers designed their warriors after themselves. Though the warrior tombs were discovered just over 30 years ago, a great portion has yet to be uncovered. It was a fascinating excursion and provided yet another glimpse into the ancient history of this part of the world.

The remainder of our time in Xi'an was exploring the city. The Bell Tower marks the center of the city with North (Bei), South (Nan), East(Dong) and West (Xi) streets (Dajie) stretching out from there. A massive stone wall, wide enough on top for three lanes of traffic, squares off a 8 mile perimeter of the inner city. Riding bikes up top the wall is a tourist must and one we gladly obliged. Along the 1 1/2 hr bumpy ride, we had great views of the city, including some of the run-down outskirts that are in stark contrast to the metropolitan center, and friendly "hello/ nihao" exchanges with the many Chinese tourists.

Xi'an always a top tourist stop was flooded with tourists- making a crowded, overpopulated city even more so. October 1-8 is China's National Week meaning all of China is on vacation too!
Being that Xi'an is the original beginning or end of the Silk Road, there is a Muslim influence we had yet to experience thus far in China. The Muslim Quarter is brimming with food stalls of dried fruit and nuts, souvenirs and Muslim street food- including kebabs and roasted bread. Interconnected strings of kites fill the sky and quickly became Dion's new favorite toy.

The bell tower marking the center of the wall portion of the city

The warriors after unearthing, they were all (but one) destroyed soon after the emperors reign. Delicate, time consuming work for the archaeologist to reassemble.

Pit 1 of 3. Currently the largest of the collection but pit 2, which is much less restored, is believed to hold more then this one.

Close up

Calamari on a stick- Christy thought the street scene leaped right out of a Gourmet magazine article.