We land in
Xian, an important city in central China. Xian has more items of archaeological interest than any other city or town in China. Although the old China is hard to find, interesting sights are around if you keep your eyes open.
We head to the
Yang Ling Tombs. From 1991 to 1994, large-scale archaeological excavations and studies of the Yangling Tomb were launched. From a site, which accounts for only one thirteenth of the total area of the sacrificial burial pits, about 600 color-painted pottery figurines and 4,000 pieces of various cultural relics were unearthed. The figurines included warriors escorting the imperial chariot, attendants watching over boxes and cases, cattle drovers and clerks.
We walk along and view the relics in underground pits from above. These babies are over 2,000 years old and are one third of the size of the better-known Terra Cotta army soldiers that we will see tomorrow.
In addition to burying soldiers, servants, and attendants, animals were also buried to be available to the Emperor in the afterlife. Makes sense to me; who wants to go to heaven without your horses, pigs, cattle, dogs, and oxen.
Just make sure that you have enough people to take care of you and your animals.
After they are unearthed, the figures are placed on display behind glass. By the way, the arms were originally made from wood, and therefore, did not survive over time.
One of the most important discoveries was this artifact that was unearthed recently and dates back over 3,000 years!
Since Xian was a former capital of China, a defensive city
wall was built to protect the city. Originally built in the Tang Dynasty in the year 618, it was later fortified. It's the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.
Pretty cool, huh?
From the wall, you can see the city.
Mellissa said, at this point, that the trip would go fast since we are whipping through the modern, industrial cities. Gone are the rivers and mountains and hanging coffins and farmers and water buffalo. I think that this is the last one.
We visit a
lacquer factory and see some incredible furniture, but I am done after 20 minutes and looking around for something interesting to photo.
We check into the
Shangri La Golden Flower Hotel. Not much to say here, but the room is nice.
The highlight of the day, taking place at night, was the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. A wonderful and brief description of the show and of the Tang Dynasty can be found
here.
Although the place was for tourists, the food was very good. We had great seats for the show.
Dancers, singers, actors and musicians....
...in a colorful, lively show.
Very nice way to end the day.
We land in Xian, an important city in central China. Xian has more items of archaeological interest than any other city or town in China. Although the old China is hard to find, interesting sights are around if you keep your eyes open.
We head to the Yang Ling Tombs. From 1991 to 1994, large-scale archaeological excavations and studies of the Yangling Tomb were launched. From a site, which accounts for only one thirteenth of the total area of the sacrificial burial pits, about 600 color-painted pottery figurines and 4,000 pieces of various cultural relics were unearthed. The figurines included warriors escorting the imperial chariot, attendants watching over boxes and cases, cattle drovers and clerks.
We walk along and view the relics in underground pits from above. These babies are over 2,000 years old and are one third of the size of the better-known Terra Cotta army soldiers that we will see tomorrow.
In addition to burying soldiers, servants, and attendants, animals were also buried to be available to the Emperor in the afterlife. Makes sense to me; who wants to go to heaven without your horses, pigs, cattle, dogs, and oxen.
Just make sure that you have enough people to take care of you and your animals.
After they are unearthed, the figures are placed on display behind glass. By the way, the arms were originally made from wood, and therefore, did not survive over time.
One of the most important discoveries was this artifact that was unearthed recently and dates back over 3,000 years!
Since Xian was a former capital of China, a defensive city wall was built to protect the city. Originally built in the Tang Dynasty in the year 618, it was later fortified. It's the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.
Pretty cool, huh?
From the wall, you can see the city.
Mellissa said, at this point, that the trip would go fast since we are whipping through the modern, industrial cities. Gone are the rivers and mountains and hanging coffins and farmers and water buffalo. I think that this is the last one.
We visit a lacquer factory and see some incredible furniture, but I am done after 20 minutes and looking around for something interesting to photo.
We check into the Shangri La Golden Flower Hotel. Not much to say here, but the room is nice.
The highlight of the day, taking place at night, was the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. A wonderful and brief description of the show and of the Tang Dynasty can be found here.
Although the place was for tourists, the food was very good. We had great seats for the show.
Dancers, singers, actors and musicians....
...in a colorful, lively show.
Very nice way to end the day.
No comments:
Post a Comment