China, Xi'An

In March 1974 a local farmer from the small village of Yangeun in rural China went with 2 fellow labourers into the fields to sink a new well.
What they discovered is one of the most amazing finds of the twentieth century.
This is the terra cotta army of China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di who ruled from 221 to 210 BC.

When the news was heard around the world, archaeologists went wild.
Never has anything of this size been found and it is considered the most fabulous reserve  in the world.

Today around 2 million people visit this astonishing site every year.
It is estimated that there are 8000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses. Non military figures include acrobats and musicians.

The site truly boggles your mind. There are kneeling archers – my favourite – infantry men and generals.
All have different  facial features and hairstyles and are simply incredible.

It is ongoing work to restore all of the figures to their former glory, but the colours which were found on some of the soldiers will not be renewed, they are all now ‘terra cotta’ colour.

The Museum is only 30km from Xi’an a charming old city I immediately fell in love with. It has a strong wall which surrounds it and I had the pleasure of taking a leisurely walk on it.

The main tourist attractions are the Bell and the Drum Towers. Both were buildin the 14th Century.                               

Continuation of my China adventure next week.