Xi'an: Days 4 & 5

Fly non-stop (1 hour 15 minute flight) to Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province, where the main draw is the army of terracotta warriors discovered in 1974 by peasants digging a well. Called "The Land of Kings and Flowers", Xian was home to eleven of China's great dynasties spanning 4000 years, and was the country's capital for more than a thousand. You’ll need a good day-and-a-half to see the sights of old Xian and the warriors.

Where to Stay

Called "The Land of Kings and Flowers", Xian was home to eleven of China's great dynasties spanning 4000 years...

• Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel – This modern hotel is considered the best in Xian but the Hyatt Regency is the most centrally located, right within the ancient city walls. Both are large chain hotels with affable service but little charm.

What to Do

• City Walls – Still intact, 9 miles of 14^th century walls surround the city. Climb the steps along the South and West Gates and walk along the ramparts.

• Great Goose Pagoda (Dayan Ta) – Tang dynasty 7-tiered Buddhist pagoda built in 652 AD. Light a candle and toss coins from the top windows for good luck.

• Great Mosque – Built in 742 this mosque in the center of the Muslim Quarter is one of the largest in China. Wander the narrow streets of the old quarter and sample the excellent cuisine

• Bell Tower – Look for the green, tiered roof which houses a collection of bells, chimes and musical instruments

• Shaanxi Provincial Museum – This modern museum houses over 370,000 relics of the Shaanxi civilization. The Shaanxi province in Central China flourished for centuries and reached its peak in the 9^th century, when Xian (known as Chang’an) was the largest and richest city in the world with over one million citizens. The collection features ceramics, bronzes, jade, gold and silver artifacts, coins and calligraphy from the pre-Ming to Tang dynasties.

• Terracotta Soldiers – An army of life-size earthenware soldiers was created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, who died around 206 BC. The army’s presence was to guarantee his protection in the afterlife.

• Still under excavation, so far three pits with over 7000 warriors have been uncovered. Each figured is painstakingly restored, and they were once all painted vibrant colors, which have faded due to air exposure. Most of the wood weapons the soldiers held have long ago decomposed.

• Historical sources avow that the emperor had over 700,000 people constructing the necropolis over 36 years

• Pit One – Over 6000 soldiers stand in battle formation – the sight is truly something to behold. Originally they were covered with wood roofs.