China - Part 3 - Terra Cotta Soliders

When we last left off my China trip virtual slide show, we were in the city of Xi'an. Just outside of the city are many tombs of leaders and a very well known cultural site, the terra cotta warriors. They were found thirty years ago by some farmer who was digging a well. I thought that was both funny and remarkable. The government has invested a lot in trying to publicize the soldiers and the cultural value. I think the farmer who found the soldiers is still alive and signs autographs.

There are three main pits with soldiers in them. The "first pit" is the largest, and that is where the first three photos are from. The "second" pit is smaller and did not allow photography. The "third" pit was the smallest and the fourth photo is from that site. There was one area where soldiers were removed from the pit areas and put on display. The final photos are all close ups of those soldiers.

This entire site is pretty wonderous, from the garden outside to the large airplane hangar-like structures that house the soldiers. In the parking lot, it's pretty sad, as there are many peasants trying to sell you trinkets, and these peasants will swarm around you the moment they realize you're from out of town.

An amazing site, and a highlight of my trip. Enjoy the photos.