Page 6 - Xi'an, Ancient Capital of China

We had a beautiful compartment on the 17-hour train ride from Shanghai to Xi'an. There were four soft berths with thick down coverlets. Everything was clean and pretty. We had hot water in a large thermal container, just like at the hotel. The scenery was captivating, and as I rode, I was reminded of train rides when I was a small girl, with my face pressed against the glass so I wouldn't miss any of the interesting sights.

The scenery between Shanghai and Xi'an was awesome. Once, about 2 a.m., I had to wake Dottie to look out the window with me as we passed through steep mountains which gave way suddenly to deep gorges, all barely visible in the moonlight. Caves dotted the hillsides. Sometimes people lived in the caves and sometimes the caves were used for storage of farm implements. We looked out the window until we were sleepy again, and awoke in beautiful Xi'an.



The pits of terra-cotta warriors and horses of the Qin Dynasty, 200 B.C., are located near the mausoleum of the Emperor Qin Shihuang. In March 1974, they were discovered by peasants when they were digging a well. There are three pits containing 8,000 terra cotta warriors and horses and about 10,000 pieces of weapons. They are regarded as the "Eighth Wonder of the World".






One of the peasants who discovered the clay warriors in 1974


Tang Dynasty Performers
This performance features ancient musical instruments and beautiful
costumes. These performances were presented to the Emperor during
the era of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 A.D.).






On campus at Xi'an University with one of Vv's friends





Page 1 - Home
Page 2 - The Exchange Student Experience
Page 3 - The China Trip
Page 4 - Let's Go to Shanghai
Page 5 - Yu Yuan Gardens
Page 6 - Xi'an - Terra Cotta Warriors
Page 7 - Beijing: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square
Page 8 - Beijing: Ming Tombs, Street Scenes
Page 9 - Shenyang with Friends
Page 10 - Fushun with Friends
Page 11 - Nanjing: War Memorial and University
Page 12 - Shanghai and Goodbye
Page 13 - Mandarin Practice
Last Page - Full Circle (Sign Guestbook)