Xi'an - November 2009
We stopped at KFC to get some hot drinks and a quick snack. Their spicy chicken wings taste a lot better than what they sell in the US. The background is filled with characters from Chinese Pi Ying Xi, a local folk art. It is also called shadow play because it a shadow puppet show using puppets made from leather.
This is Emperor Qin's Terracotta Army Museum. The terracotta soldiers were discovered in 1974 by local farmers drilling for water. It is located at the east of Xi'an, about 50 minutes by bus. According to historians, construction of this spectacular mausoleum began in 246 BC and buried with Emperor Qin in 210-209 BC. It's worth noting that Emperor Qin was only 13 when construction began. He was certainly thinking ahead!
This is Emperor Qin.
The bones of a horse were found with the statue of a servant. This was uncovered not far from the Terracotta soldiers.
This is the green faced terracotta warrior. All the other unearthed terracotta warriors had pink faces. He was originally holding a bow. Experts haven't reached agreement on why his face is green. He is part of the forward element of the army.
This is a horse drawn chariot. The umbrella could actually be used as a shield and as a weapon.
Another kneeling archer.
The same archer from the rear. All warriors are unique in their own ways, maybe the hair, the expression, the uniform etc. Can you see the tread of his shoes?
All terracotta figures are life sized.
This is pit #1, the largest of the three pits. It consists of infantrymen and charioteers. It was discovered first, by local farmers digging for water.
This is pit #1, the largest of the three pits. It consists of infantrymen and charioteers. It was discovered first, by local farmers digging for water.
The rear of pit #1 has several warriors outside of the pit. These are still awaiting repairs and will be returned to formation when they are complete.
This is either pit #2 or #3. It is only partially uncovered. When the terracotta warriors were first unearthed, all the paint fell off within a day. They are waiting to develop technology to preserve the paint before revealing the remaining soldiers.
This is either pit #2 or pit #3.
This statue is looking towards the Da Ci'en Temple and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
The statue is the monk Xuan Zang. He traveled to India to read the original Buddhist scriptures. He translated the Buddhist scriptures from their original Sanskrit and brought them back to China. His translations are stored in the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the tall tower in the background. This pagoda is on the grounds of the Da Ci'en Temple. Both were built in the mid 600s.
A candle burning outside the Da Ci'en Temple.
Candles and incense.
More incense sticks.
On the grounds of the Da Ci'en Temple.
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Da Ci'en Temple.
This board is full of requests for aid from Buddha.
The Shaanxi Museum in Xi'an. Xi'an was chosen as the capital by many emperors, was the center of the culture and economy from 1046BC to 907AD.
The Shaanxi Museum inside of Xi'an.
Just inside the entrance of the Shaanxi Museum. Highly recommend this museum, has a lot of very well organized exhibit and hosts many valuable pieces.
Replicas of the terracotta warriors.
