Xian, China - Day 25 (2nd day in Xian)

Today was supposed to be the highlight of our visit to Xian and the terracotta warriors didn’t disappoint.

First we visited a factory that makes replicas of the warriors.  For an additional fee, you can get your likeness for the head.  It was interesting seeing the process of making the warriors.  Historians took thousands of trys to understand how the warriors were made and this factory is the only one licensed by the government to use the process.  During our visit, many people purchased warriors large and small.  We were not one of them. 

The terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by a farmer digging a well. The life-size pottery figures, modeled from yellow clay, were made to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, a despotic ruler who unified China over 2,200 years ago. Excavations yielded three pits and over 7,000 soldiers, archers, and horses. Pit 1 contains the infantry; pit 2 (still being excavated) is filled with cavalry and soldiers; and pit 3 (partially unexcavated) seems to be the command center, with 70 high-ranking officers. Each warrior, originally colored with pigment and holding a weapon, has an individually crafted expression. No two are alike. The wood handles to their weapons have long rotted away.

Between the warriors, the earth-walled corridors were originally roofed with wooden rafters. Restoration still continues. A soldier is not put back into the pit until every missing piece of pottery that comprises his body is found.

As you can see from the pictures, it is one of the wonders of the world. At the bookstore, Jeff bought a picture book that was then brought over to an old gentleman in the corner who pulled out a beautiful brush and autographed the book. Our guide said that it was the farmer who found the soldiers. My feeling is that it is probably like Lassie – the guy was maybe somehow related to the farmer, but the actual farmer? Come on!

 

After a lunch at a local eatery, our last stop was the Banpo Museum.This museum is an archaeological remain discovered in 1953. It contains the remains of several well organized settlements dating from 5600 -6700 BC.After the terra cotta warriors, this visit was a bit of let down. However, it was very interesting to see how these early men lived and to view the items that they felt were beautiful.

We returned to our gorgeous hotel for a rest, sipping wine and listening to a pianist at the bar.Then it was off to dinner and back to our room to pack up for our flight tomorrow to Shanghai.

Good night!