Xian

The Emperor Qin Shi Huang ascended to the throne when he was 13 years old (around 250BC). He immediately started to prepare for the after life. Part of his preparation was to build an army to take with him. He used clay (terra cotta) to create life sized warriors and horses. Personally I think he was just a spoiled kid that could have anything he wanted, so he made life sized toys. In any case, the army and horses are a wonder to see. Qin was the first emperor to unite China under one ruler (Qin Dynasty 221-206). He also decided that all of China would use one written language plus he initiated the building of the Great Wall.

Each Terra Cotta Warrior was unique with the features of an actual human

Our guide visits the site almost every day and she picked one warrior out as the one she thinks is the most handsome.

Our Guides Favorite Warrior

I took my own picture to prove to myself that I was there

Even the horses were unique from each other

Lindas Favorite Warrior

Xian is a walled city over 3000 years old and was once the capital of China (Qin Dynasty). The 40 ft wall was built during the Ming Dynasty (approx 1400 AD) and is mostly entact. You can walk around the old city on the 7 mile wall.

There is a also moat around some of the wall

Linda on the wall of Xian on a foggy day