Weekend in Xian

We woke up eeeearly last Saturday morning to catch a flight to Xian from Shanghai. We arrived at about 11 and went straight the tomb of Liu Qi (emperor of the Western Han Dynasty, 206 BC-24AD) and his Empress Wang (my namesake!). A precursor to the Terracotta Army, this was an awesome site, and to think it dates to 153 AD... The tomb was filled with pottery -- bowls and the like, but figurines and animals too, whatever the royals needed in the afterlife (the piglets were my favorites).

After a stop for lunch (local fare that included long, wide noodles in a tomato-like sauce, and veggies that looked, and tasted like grass, but in a good way), we finally reached the main attraction, thanks to our tour guide, Mountain, who just happened to also work in the restaurant. Funny how that worked out.  Here's us and Mountain: 

Coming into the main hall and seeing the hundreds of soldiers lined up and facing me took my breath away. It was amazing! Below are some fascinating facts (thank you, Wikipedia, for filling in the holes for Mountain):

• It was discovered only 30+ years ago (1974).
• Work on this mausoleum began in 246 BC (BC!), soon after Emperor Qin ascended the throne (then aged 13).
• The full construction later involved 700,000 workers (much like the slaves that built the pyramids, no?).  
• Only a section of the site is presently excavated (makes you ponder what else lies beneath, and for miles!).
• Upon completion, the terracotta figures were placed in the pits in precise military formation according to rank and duty. 
• The terracotta figures are life-sized and have individual facial features (no two are the same!). They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. 
• Most originally held real weapons such as spears, swords, or crossbows.

Not only is this old capital home to a Wonder of the World, but Xian, come to find out, also has a strong Islamic influence. After seeing the soldiers, we visited a mosque (a mosque in China!) and walked around the Muslim area. It was so interesting to witness the convergence of two very different cultures, something I never knew existed. A few of my favorite photos from the trip are here.