Day 5 began with a visit to the Wild Goose Pagoda. This was built in the Tang Dynasty in AD 652 and was built in the the memory of the Gaozong emperor's mother, Empress Wende. The pagoda is 210ft high is known as Dayan Ta.
After a hour or so we made our way to the factory that produces the replicas of the Terracotta Army. The production method was explained and demonstrated and then there was of course the opportunity to purchase your very own warrior - from a few inches tall to life size!
From there it was a short journey to the actual site of the warriors. Again although busy the whole experience was incredible. Nothing quite prepares you for your first site of the main army in pit 1. The size is breath taking and the detail of the faces and features is amazing. In the other pits are some well preserved examples and others awaiting to be excavated. Also displayed in glass cabinets are some pristine examples of the iconic kneeling archer, as well as two officers and a cavalryman and his mount. It must have been quite some sight to see these figures in their original painted condition.
We returned to Xi'an to spend a short while walking along the imposing city wall. It is one of the best preserved city walls in China and runs around the city for 9 miles.
From there we took in a Tang Dynasty dinner show. This proved to be far better than I had expected. It was colourful and very entertaining with explanations in English prior to each performance.
Another packed day, but certainly a memorable one.
No comments:
Post a Comment