你好中国: Xian Day 2

Tuesday, September 29. Sarah and I decided to book a tour for our second day in Xian. Our first stop on the tour was to the factory that makes the Terra Cotta Warrior replicas. Each replica is handmade, which was pretty cool to watch. We then headed to the Banpo Museum. This Museum houses ancient artifacts from a civilization dating back 6,000years. Next our group headed to the site of the Terra Cotta Warriors, aka the 8th wonder of the world! The Terra Cotta Warriors consists of 3 pits. Pit 1 includes the warriors and horses. Pit 2 includes the Generals and Officers. Finally, Pit 3 includes the arrowmen, infantry, chariots, etc. Every warrior is said to be unique, no warrior has the same facial features/structure. The heads are not attached, while their feet are solid and arms hollow. Many of the warriors were once colorful, but due to the elements the color has worn away. The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty had the warriors constructed/buried with him so that he would be protected in the afterlife. It is said that over 8,000 life size warriors protect his tomb. After the first emperor of the Qin died the people revolted and destroyed many of the warriors in the tomb. Archaeologists today are working on piecing the soldiers back together. After leaving the Terra Cotta Warriors, we headed to the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty's tomb. The first Emperor of the Qin not only constructed the warriors, but he also built a whole city underground which surrounded his tomb. When he died his generals, servants and concubines were buried alive with him. Our last stop of the tour was the Hot Springs. The Hot Springs was the home of the National Party leader during the early 1900's. He was killed in his home, and this is when the Communists Party of China first took over. The Hot Springs was also gorgeous.