Xi'an

The city of Xi'an, located in the heart of China in Shaanxi Province, served as the capital of China during 11 dynasties, covering a period of 4,000 years. Known as Chang'an in those days, it was at the end of the Silk Road, which stretched for some 4,000 miles as the most important trade route between the Middle East and China, though it should be noted that there were several Silk "Routes." The first picture gives a view from atop the old city wall looking down the road to the Drum Tower (seen way in the distance) which is located in the center of the city. The second picture shows the thickness and height of the wall itself!

The Terracotta Warriors

Discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, the Terracotta Warriors Museum is probably the most famous and spectacular site in Xi'an. Built about 2,200 years ago by the first emperor in Chinese history, QinShihuang, so he would have company in the afterlife (!), there are over 7,000 soldiers, archers and horses in three different "pits." The guy must have been crazy but the site is incredible!

More Terracotta Warriors

Another view of Xi'an

This is the entrance to the "cultural area" in the old part of Xi'an, right next to the old city wall. Down this street were stores selling musical instruments, paintings, and brushes and rice paper for calligraphy, as well as some touristy items.

The mosque in Xi'an

The top photo is the entrance to the mosque in Xi'an; there are many differences between this mosque and the ones I saw in the west of China: the architecture, different kinds of head coverings, etc...

These pictures are of the mosque in Xi'an. In the first picture you can tell there is a lot of Chinese architectural influence in this Muslim site; the second picture is just outside the actual prayer room where tourists were not allowed.

The Great Wall!

We climbed the Great Wall on an absolutely gorgeous day! It was a tough climb but so worth it - it was beyond my expectations! Enjoy these pictures....