Xian is most famous for the Tomb of Qin
Shi Huang, the first emporer of all of China in the third century...
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This hangar shelters the ranks of
soldiers for tourists' viewing. The soldiers were designed never...
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Life-size terra-cotta figures of
warriors and horses are arranged in battle formations. They are...
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The warriors and horses are the most
significant archeological excavations of the 20th century, and work continues...
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Over 7,000 terra-cotta soldiers, horses,
chariots, and weapons have been unearthed from these three pits. Most of them...
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This complex was named by UNESCO in
1987 as one of the world cultural heritage sites.
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The terra citta soldiers are remarkably
realistic sculptures. Most of the figures are 5 feet 11 inches in...
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One of the persons doing restoration
work told us her job was like a jig-saw puzzle in trying to fit...
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The figures were originally painted in
bright colors. The color has faded and worn off over the 2,000 years...
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Five horses 4 feet 11 inches high, 6
feet 7 inches long would have pulled a two- wheeled chariot.
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There are 4 or 5 main types of
warriors found with the same exact clothing, body pose, and hairstyle...
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The three rectangular vaults where the
figures were found were built of earth with brick floors and timber supports.
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The squarish faces of the warriors have
broad foreheads and wide, thick-lipped mouths. Their eyes focus on the far...
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Pit #2, found in 1976, is much smaller
than Pit #1 and about 70 feet from it. Its 1000 crossbowmen, charioteers,...
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A small museum on the premises
displays a few of the soldiers for close-up viewing.
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The Great Mosque's wooden decorated
archway was constructed in the 17th century.
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Islam was first brought to China in 651,
less than 20 years after the death of Muhammad. In China today it is...
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The stone archway is part of the
largest and best-preserved early mosque in China, existing since 1392. The...
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Xian is one of the most ancient capitals
in the world since it was the national capital of 12 dynasties from 1046-771...
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Xian is the starting point of the famous
Silk Road to the West and a visitor's mecca of historical sites, rich...
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The population of Xian including its
surrounding area is 6.5 million. It has become intensively industrialized in...
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Shopping malls have appeared in the city
center in the last 25 years.
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Xian's Drum Tower was one of many
colorfully-lighted buildings in the city.
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The Drum Tower
The Drum Tower in Xian was initially built in 1380 during the reign of...
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The drums were used to signal the
running of time and occasionally as an alarm in emergency situations...
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Inside the Drum Tower is a drum museum
where a variety of drums is on display, some of which are more than a...
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Near the Drum Tower this fruit market
offered many tempting items.
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Another photo of the fruit market
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Another beautifully lighted building
with a McDonald's Restaurant sign
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This last picture of the Drum Tower
caused me to lose sight of my group so I found someone in the market...
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Lighted entrance to theater housing the
Tang Dynasty Music and Dance performance.
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This small musical group performed
prior to the full complement of performers appearing on stage.
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The Tang Dynasty was open to outside
influences and took the best of various art forms of past dynasties...
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In their presentation the entertainers
illustrate on stage the history, culture and artistic heritage of Xian.
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Beautiful costumes and talented
performers playing unusual musical instruments, singing, and dancing...
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The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance
show was first presented in 1982 and has become a popular form of entertainment.
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The program is based on dances
developing over the centuries from a few simple postures or gestures...
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The dancers have performed in many
Chinese cities as well as in Japan, Russia, Korea, Singapore, and other...
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Asia
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