4Xian
tour tips |
|
|
4Xian
impression |
|
|
| |
 location:Home
> My Impression of Xian Tour |
|
|
|
My Impression of Xian Tour
|
|
By Norma and John
The terra cotta warriors were one of the major highlights of this trip and they did not disappoint us. Norma says all the pictures in National Geographic over the years came true and, although I had been there before, much development of the site has taken place in the last six years which enhances the whole experience. The huge pit #1 with its thousands of soldiers standing rank on rank are awe-inspiring but now there are more pits open and museum displays where you can get up close and personal to them in the flesh or rather clay in glass cases. There is also a 360 degree movie about the history of the site which is worthwhile. 
The wonders of the terra cotta warriors and the bronze chariots were expected but we had a delightful unexpected and unscheduled visit to a comparable site which we had never heard of before. Not only that but it is virtually unknown and there were no crowds to distract our appreciation. This is the Han Yang Ling site, based on the emperor of the Western Han Dynasty, on a plain close to the new Xian airport which also has his Empress' tomb and nine other imperial tombs - most of which have not been excavated. Han Yang Ling also has thousands of terra cotta warriors but they are not life-size, being about two feet tall and anatomically correct so that you can distinguish between the male, female and eunuch figurines. There are over 20 excavated pits and several were devoted to animals - horses, cows, pigs, dogs, sheep and goats which would provide feasts for the emperor in the afterlife - plus dancers, musicians etc to entertain him.
The museum is state of the art displays with glass walkways over the excavations which get you right into the experience. The Han Yang Ling site is not to be missed and, once it is marketed, it will be as busy as the terra cotta warriors. Don't miss it if you are in the area.
|
|
|
|
| Photo
Gallery |
|
|
|
|
Xian travellogs |
|
|
Xian
local information |
|
|
