Xi'An Day 2 began with a hour and a half drive to the Terracotta Warriors!
We arrived, purchased tickets, and headed into the main exhibition hall.
The warriors are from 2200 years ago! They were discovered on March 29, 1974 by three farmers looking for water while digging a well. Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty had the tomb built (biggest and most elaborate of the time) to ensure protection in the afterlife. The actual tomb of the emperor in encased with mercury and has remained untouched. Inside, there is believed to be 3000 concubines and many farmers who were buried alive so their souls would remained owned by the emperor and so the tomb's location remained a secret.
I was fascinated by how the warriors were restored. Prior to the 1974 discovery, the tomb had been raided several times. This left to the destruction of the warriors. Every evening after the closing of the exhibit, the warriors are painstakingly put back together.
Some areas have yet to become unearthed.
Pit No.2 is famous for the 'kneeing archers'. It too is still being excavated and contains an exhibit fully restored warriors and weaponry.
Cindy our guide!
Pit No.3 is known as the 'command center' for the people in the other pits - generals, commanders, etc. were found in this pit. It also contained two miniature chariots found and restored thought to carry the emperor's soul into the afterlife.
Part 3: Xi'An Bell and Drum Tower, funny city signage!
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