In Warriors' Eyes.

The first part of our Christmas Tour was Xi'an - the ancient capital of China and beginning of the Silk road. Xi'an is also the home of the "Terra Cotta Warriors".

We were fortunate to spend three terrific days exploring and appreciating the history of this ancient city.

Our Fast Train

Fast enough for you love?

Entering modern day Xi'an - unfortunately the curse of northern China, especially in winter, smog was present throughout our three days.

The Warriors - originally they were in millions of pieces in the trenches after being destroyed and the wooden housing burnt by rivals to the first Emperor.

Recently restored figures; a jigsaw of gargantuan proportions.

A small section of "Pit 1"  excavation. There are 3 pits in total; it is estimated only about a quarter of the army and other artifacts has been uncovered.

Kneeling Archer - These figures were more intact due to their prone position.

Part of the calvary - the hole
in the horse is to prevent
explosion during firing. 

Excavated pieces ready to be pieced together and added to the 1400+ Horses and Warriors already "repaired". 

Amazing restoration work: The clay warriors replaced live sacrifices originally requested by the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. 

Buildings housing the excavations pits.The whole area is extremely well maintained, hassle free and befitting the over 2000 year old artifacts.

Xi'an is steeped in ancient history and we were fortunate to see more than just the warriors.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

More "Wild Goose"; named after a spot where a goose dropped dead from the sky and fed starving soldiers.

Dinners ready.

One of the many Mosque's in Xi'an. 
Constructed in 700 AD in honour of the founding of Islam in China.

Fun and games at the dumpling festival - to celebrate the winter solstice.

Making the dumplings - not sure what went in them?

Can I eat more dumplings than the locals?

I won the prize for the biggest mouth!!!

More food - this time in the Muslim quarter.

The colour, exotic and very crowded Muslim section of Xi'an city.

Even in this most ancient of cities the ubiquitous kangaroo finds a place for Christmas!!!! 

Drum Tower

More Drums!!!

The "Bell" tower.

Bell tower at night.

The Watch Tower on the great wall surrounding the centre of Xi'an

Watch Tower after dark.

Entrance to the North Gate.

Portcullis -  the North Gate entrance to the ancient city.

North Gate entrance by night.

Top of the Ancient Wall.

The 15 meter high wall was built in the 14th century by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang.

Can you ride a tandem??

The Ancient fortification is almost 14 kilometers long - it can be ridden/walked the complete square. A terrific experience. 

Restored gate of the Daming Palace Site.

The Daming Palace site built 599 - 649 bc was the forerunner of the 'forbidden city"

A huge 'forecourt' , the equivalent to Tiananmen square,
leading to the ruins of the "Huayuan Place".

A reminder - the amazing city of Xi'an was also the starting point for the trek along the "Silk Road".
A fitting starting point for us on our trek to Tibet.