Love it.
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Do you have any more pics of the city itself? How is the economy doing there? I have always been curious about Xian.
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Great city to explore. Rented a bike and rode the wall loop around the old city in 2005. Big Goose Pagoda (about 2 miles south of the old city wall) is worth seeing as well.
The soldiers are fascinating and surreal, but at the same time, completely pointless. It's just such an odd thing. Still totally cool to see. Too bad the air quality is always so bad. |
Very interesting.
I have heard that they have prevented unearthing many of the other terracotta warriors because the ones that have been excavated are quickly disintegrating. Those things really are quite amazing. Qin Shi Huang was a crazy, ruthless leader, and this definitely reflects that. |
Yes, they have not excavated the imperial tomb yet and they won't until they have comfort the technology is available to preserve it once it gets exposed to the elements.
As requested, here are some more city photos : Xian's bustling Muslim quarter consists of several streets of markets selling everything from noodles to souvenirs. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9151.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120409/IMG_2703.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120409/IMG_2707.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120409/IMG_2706.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9533.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9531.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9536.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9542.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9546.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9541.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9539.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9557.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9555.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9560.jpg "Mo" is a local delicacy consisting of bread dunk into a soupy mixture. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9567.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9565.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9575.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9589.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9593.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9597.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9607.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9612.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9619.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9621.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9630.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9638.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9644.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120404/IMG_9651.jpg |
The Shaanxi History Museum offers a large number of free tickets everyday, but the queue didn't seem to move so I opted for a paid admission. There was barely a queue for that and the small charge was worth it for entry to special exhibits and the free area.
http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1898.jpg The museum is laid out in chronological order, starting with the Neolithic Age. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1904.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1914.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1923.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1924.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1934.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1936.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1955.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1961.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1974.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1977.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1982.jpg Although the Qin dynasty was short-lived (221-206BC), their artifacts showed great extravagance. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_1997.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2007.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2018.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2020.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2016.jpg Han dynasty (206BC-220AD) http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2036.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2033.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2039.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2038.jpg This is how they made coins back then. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2064.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2068.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2071.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2080.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2085.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2095.jpg Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern dynasties (220-589AD) http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2105.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2110.jpg Sui (581-618AD) and Tang (618-906AD) dynasties http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2123.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2129.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2132.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2139.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2140.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2143.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2146.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2154.jpg I came across quite a number of camel figurines at various attractions. Perhaps they were very popular transport vehicles during the Silk Road days. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2166.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2170.jpg After the Tang dynasty fell, subsequent dynasties moved the capital away from Xian. This museum didn't have a big collection of post-Tang artificats. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2185.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2181.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2182.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2191.jpg |
Although Xian was the imperial capital for a thousand years, the actual location of the capital differed. For example, the Qin and Han capitals was northwest of the present city, the Zhou capital was due west. During the Tang dynasty, the city of Chang'an was the largest city in the world.
http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2200.jpg The basement level has 2 exhibitions. One of them requires the special ticket that I had bought to bypass the free entry line. This paid exhibit hosts a number of precious artifacts, such as the below bowl with calligraphy written on it. Wonder if the ink would disappear if the plate is used for dining? http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2205.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2207.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2214.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2215.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2217.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2226.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2234.jpg This interesting item is well-advertised on the museum literature. Since it seems to be a "must-see", no wonder this part of the exhibit required extra payment. Dating from the Tang dynasty, this cup is shaped like a beast but it clearly can function as well. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2237.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2247.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2243.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2244.jpg Xian's historic attractions have so far displayed the glory of the Qin and Tang dynasties. But the Han dynasty also had its capital here, and Hanyangling is the tomb of one of its emperors. An underground museum allows visitors to gaze at the burial pits behind protective glass. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1731.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1739.jpg The Han figurines were clothed, but time has destroyed those. The arms and hands were made of wood and could move, but those have also not survived the test of time. What remains today are the heads, bodies, and legs, which look quite eerie. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1741.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1745.jpg The museum's walkway crosses several pits. At these locations, the walkway turns into glass so visitors can peer directly below their feet to see what has been uncovered. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1752.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1757.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1766.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1784.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1800.jpg |
Famen Temple is 2 hours away from Xian. It originates from the Han Dynasty, and was the royal temple during the Sui and Tang dynasties (6th-10th centuries). Today, it is another overpriced attraction, costing 120 yuan to enter.
http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1262.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1268.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1277.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1272.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1286.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1291.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1311.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1302.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1314.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1324.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1335.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1337.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1353.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1357.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1366.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1365.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1375.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1386.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1398.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1401.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1411.jpg This newer section features various exhibits about the temple's glorious history. Tragedy had also struck over the years; lightning had once devastated the pagoda. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1414.jpg An underground vault containing various treasures from the Tang dynasty was unearthed during recent renovation work. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1439.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1447.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1446.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1453.jpg This structure seems new, offering exhibitions and an outdoor deck with a panoramic view of the site. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1458.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1466.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1470.jpg The present Famen Temple is this out-of-place new structure, where some finger bones of the Buddha are now on display. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1481.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1479.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1491.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1496.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1500.jpg The streets bordering Famen Temple were bustling with shoppers. Here, shoppers buy large pieces of paper to burn for their ancestors. A traditional ancestor-worshipping festival took place just a few days earlier. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1250.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1255.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1256.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1249.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1512.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1514.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120407/IMG_1518.jpg |
The 7-yuan bus 306 makes a stop at Huaqing Palace before reaching the Terra-Cotta Warriors. Huaqing Palace's fame comes from a hot spring that still gushes warm water today. The former royal resort is now a modern attraction that looks historic but with a hefty admission charge.
http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0618.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0630.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0623.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0634.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0641.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0647.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0663.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0672.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0679.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0684.jpg Yang Guifei was a famous beauty from the Tang Dynasty. Plenty of today's women seem to want to look just like her. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0704.jpg Wash your hands in this fountain that gushes out warm water from the spring. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0700.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0716.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0737.jpg The concubine's pool is exclusively for the Tang dynasty's Yang Guifei. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0710.jpg This plain-looking pool is for the emperor. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0721.jpg The Star Pool is also for the emperor. It was thought that the pool had no cover at all and the emperor could gaze at the stars while bathing. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0725.jpg Even imperial chefs and palace officials get their own "Shangshi Pool". http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0742.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0731.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0750.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0754.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0762.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0767.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0773.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0767.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0777.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0783.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0778.jpg In more recent history, the Nationalist Party's Chiang Kai-Shek sought residence here in the early 20th century. Bullet holes can still be seen on the bricks. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0787.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0789.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0790.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0796.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0794.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120406/IMG_0802.jpg |
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Built during the Tang dynasty in the 8th century, the pagoda originally had 15 stories but a subsequent earthquake in the 16th century destroyed the top. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2466.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2474.jpg It is possible to climb to the top for a panoramic view of Xian. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2488.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2493.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2499.jpg Looking south, there seem to be more historic buildings next to the pagoda in a very green setting. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2504.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2507.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2512.jpg Looking east, a line of skyscrapers marks the main boulevard that leads to the south gate. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2519.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2525.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2524.jpg A bit tired from the climb, the visit continues through the temple complex. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2477.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2552.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2549.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2556.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2560.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2571.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2575.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2591.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2602.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2594.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2605.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2616.jpg Big Wild Goose Pagoda Across town, this pagoda also dates from the Tang dynasty. While the pagoda and temple are enclosed inside the wall, more modern amenities surrounded it. http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2263.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2265.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2271.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2272.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2276.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2282.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2286.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2291.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2335.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2338.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2343.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2381.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2391.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2387.jpg http://www.globalphotos.org/xian/20120408/IMG_2395.jpg |
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