China Xian September 2010

     The walled city of Xian was the capitol of the Tang Dynasty.  On our way to see the Terra Cotta Warriors we stopped at the Wild Goose Pagoda (652 AD) and the site of the 6,000 year old Banpo Village, inhabited by a matriarchal society which built 1/2 of each house underground.
     With the aid of a wheel chair which my travel agent arranged for me, I had a first hand view of many of the 6,000 Terra Cotta Warriors which Emperor Qin (Ching) ordered to be built in 221 B.C. to protect him in the afterlife- complete with a horse drawn carriage.
     Photos on the wall and a kneeling archer enclosed in glass show various colors used.  Contact with the air caused the paint to disappear from those warriors uncovered.  It was an awe inspiring event to be able to view these renowned figures – each one unique.  No wonder that it has been declared a World Heritage Site.