... food & travel...: Silk Road

西安 is a special place, officially appointed as the capital of China during 13 dynasty, it is full of ancient relics and historial sights. Its main attractions are not surprisingly, royal tombs. More than 60 kings are buried in this city alone. Because of the vast amount of historical records and burial antiques that could lie beneath the city ground, underground tunnels are uncommon here. (In case they destory precious historial records during the construction process). As a result, traffic jam is common as the roads are frequently packed.

西安古城墙 Xian City Wall

西安古城墙 is initally built during the Tang Dynasty. Its exterior was given an extra layer of protection during restoration works during the Ming Dynasty to give the present appearance.

Corridor of one of the buildings used for military meetings

This building was used to defend the city when invading forces attack. Its windows will be opened for the archers to aim at the enemies.

华清池 Huaqing Hot Springs

A royal hot spring (the one and only one in China) for the emperors of the Tang Dynasty, it was made famous by the love between Emperor Tang Xuanzong and his concubine, Yang Guifei.

The 海棠汤, more commonly known as Concubine Pool, was built for Concubine Yang Guifei. The emperor's love for his concubine is clearly seen here as it is the only pool which was built for a concubine. Others were all pools belonging to Tang emperors.

连花汤 aka the imperial nine-dragon pool, was the pool used by Emperor Tang Xuanzong.

Statue of concubine Yang Guifei

Natural spring water which keeps this royal hot spring alive. It's around 43 degrees all year round.

秦始王兵马俑 Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses

The famous 秦始王兵马俑!!!!

Known as the '8th wonder of the world', it was accidentally discovered by a local farmer who was digging for a well. Instead, he dug out life-sized clay heads. Thinking that it's inauspicious, the village people buried it back before choosing another site to dig for a new well. However, they found smilar clay figurines and it soon appear that it is not a coincidence. The farmer reported it to the authority and the government started digging, engaging professional archaeologists..

Statue of Qing Emperor at the entrance

A total of 3 pits are opened to the public, with Pit 1 being the largest and thus contains the most number of Terra Cotta Warriors.

Pit 3

Known as the command centre for Pit 1 and 2. There wasn't many warriors here and those which are found are mostly decked in armour and general scarves.

Kneeling archer.

Middle-ranked general

Warrior with horse

2 restored charriots

These charriots, unlike the warriors (built life-sized), are built half its natural size. This is so as there weren't enough materials and time to finish building them if the life-size models were made. Although only 2 are found, more are expected to be buried underground.