(3) Xi'an.., Meeting the Terracotta Warriors
From above the Saanxi Castle, the landscape of the city of Xi'an. The Saanxi castle was built in 14th century (Ming dynasty era) and it is said to be the best preserved castle in all China.
Xi'an is the capital city of Saanxi province; visitors appreciate the cleanness of this city of 12 million people.
Xi'An (西安) (interpretation: Peace in West or Peaceful West), was established some 3,000 years ago (ie., around 1040 B.C., under different name of HaoGyong) by the king Mu of 'Chu' nation. Then the name changed to JangAn and finally Xi'an (the capital city of China until Dang dynasty). Due to its location at the western most part of Chinese continent, Xi'an played an important role in early trade and diplomacy with middle eastern countries, as well as the western world. And yes(!), the famous 'Silk-Road', with its starting point at Xi'an, marked the city as historically indispensable in the the cross-current flow of goods, people, religion and cultures of China and western world.
Xi'an flourished as the capital city of Qin dynasty, the first unified China; the emperor Qin Shi Huang started his re-fortification of the Great Wall here, as well as construction of his mausoleum and the mysterious Terracotta Warriors.
30-40 minutes drive from downtown Xi'an will bring us to the ever famous and mystical site of the emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum and the site of the Terracotta Warriors.
Going back in time again, ...in 1974, a worker digging a well outside the city of Xi'an struck upon one of the greatest archeological discoveries in the modern time: Yes, the discovery of the 8th wonder of the ancient world(!). He dug a life-sized (terracotta) soldier, wearing bright colored armor ready for battle. After immediate dispatch of archeologists, hundreds more of clay soldiers -each with unique body feature and facial expressions were unearthed. ...and thereafter, thousands more...
Soldiers with armors and horses. Notice how no two soldiers look (or pose) alike!
Based on their outfits, these are assumed to be servants with non-battle duties. Again, the facial expression as well as body motions are all unique and singular (ie, even the horses).
These members of 'Terracotta Armies' (as they are called ever since discovery) arranged according to ranks and duties stand in these trench like corridors inside three (so far found) underground structure referred as just pits or 'gangs' by archeologists. To date, thousands of soldiers, horses and wooden chariots were found in three different gangs (out of an estimated 8,000 plus figures total). Even though there was a fourth gang found, it was empty(testament of the unfinished construction). (Above picture: Gang No 1)
Visitors are not allowed closer to the pit; no tripod usage was permitted. So, with less than desirable lighting condition inside these enclosed structures, picture taking -especially using telephoto lenses, was somewhat of challenging task.
The history tells us that the emperor Qin Shi Huang commissioned the construction of his mausoleum (and the soldiers to be guarding his death) shortly after taking the throne (at about 246 B.C.). More than 700,000 laborers were drafted for the project. The project was halted however in the year 209 B.C. (before completion), due to uprisings after death of the emperor.
The unfortunate fact that the figures are colorful when fresh excavated; but colors quickly fading, poses a big challenge for archeologists in charge. The oxidation and other chemical reactions open air triggers may be the cause, but no technique has been developed to stop it. ...And largely due to that, further excavations of the tomb and gangs are on hold (at least for now).
"It is best to keep the ancient tomb untouched, because of the complex condition inside" -Duan Qinbao, archologist/researcher Shaanxi Province Archeology Institute, 2006-
Back in the city, we visited the "Islam Quarters", a 'must visit' place for tourists while in Xi'an. The Islam Quarters is the market place and entertainment district, where not only tourists but Xi'anese gather for shopping and pastime during 24-7-365.
All stores and shops are said to be owned and operated by Muslims. Large number of Chinese-Muslims residing in the city of Xi'an is another testament of the long history of Xi'anwith middle eastern nations.
Many dishes and delicacies -different from typical Chinese cuisine, were prepared and sold in the street. Well.., copying many -less wise travelers, I attempted to make my visit historical by consuming one of a kind Chinese delicacy (fried scorpion)! Unfortunately -or fortunately for me, I failed in spotting a shop selling it. (May be.., just may be -unlike typical Chinese gusto, scorpion wasn't one of Muslim delicacies)
Again, notice the hijabs and Abayas in their apparel.
The history and culture of Chinese-Muslims goes back two thousand years, dating back to end of Han and start of Qin dynasties. They settled in Xi'an (and larger Saanxi province) and prospered for hundreds of generations.
