Day 5
Friday,
April 19
XIAN After breakfast, drive to the excavations
near the tumulus (or burial mound) of
Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di, where in 1974 well-digging peasants serendipitously
discovered the famous Terra Cotta Warriors. Decidedly one of the century's
greatest archaeological finds, there are thousands of unique, life-size
figures, each appearing to be modeled after a real person with individual
personality and history. The main pit is encircled by a ramp offering a
sweeping perspective of this massive treasure trove. Viewing of the new
excavations is rewarding, as one can sense the human scale of each individual
soldier. One almost expects a command to ring out, and the warriors will rouse
themselves from a 2,000-year stillness, and begin to march.
This afternoon, visit the stunning Shaanxi
History Museum. As the cradle of Chinese civilization and the home of several
Chinese dynasties, Shaanxi is a
treasure trove of Chinese historical and cultural relics. Through well-chosen
paintings, sculptures, and relics,
the museum takes us on a tour of China’s traditional history, starting with its unification under the first
emperor, Qin Shihuang, to the end of the last dynasty. Among its rich
collection of ancient artifacts are Tang Dynasty stone friezes and Neolithic
pottery.
Hotel
Sofitel Xian (B, L, D)
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