#Xi’an Travel

You simply must visit Xi’an when visiting China, find a hotel inside the city walls and you won’t be disappointed! This historic city is home to the magnificent Terracotta warriors, bustling night markets and the imposing city walls. Most tours to the terracotta warriors stop by the ‘toy factory’ where you can see how small souvenir warriors are moulded and of course, buy your own!

The terracotta warriors are impressive and worth visiting. There are 3 under cover ‘pits’ discovered (along with a forth empty, perhaps incomplete pit). When arriving at pit 1, the mind conjures intricate statues standing for as long as the eye can see however, it is only the first 10 metres that consists of fully rebuilt statues. After the first ten metres of statues in pristine patched-up condition, the landscape changes to earth mixed with broken pottery. Occasionally a broken face or limb protrudes from the ground and we are reminded of what an eerie scene this would be in the dark! In pit 1 there are 3 sections: the famous patched-up soldiers, broken pottery in dirt and finally the archaeological ‘hospital’ where the patchwork is done. Pit 2 and 3 are an interesting follow-up however the statues in those rooms were discovered in worse condition. The warriors were built on the east of a Chinese king’s tomb to protect him in the afterlife. His tomb is not accessible due to mercury in the ground in that section.

Back in Xi’an, if you have enough time to ride a bike on top of the city walls you won’t regret it! Day or night it will be a memorable experience for only 40 yuan per person. Xi’an is sure to be a treat so don’t leave it off your itinerary!