Xi'An

Xi'An, ancient capital of the Chinese empire

There is a lot of traffic here, like in Beijing

When it comes to modern buildings, some styles are questionable. These look like they've been bought from Ikea !

It took an hour from the center to come here, but it should be worth it

... today, we visit the famous Terracotta Warriors

For some reasons, all the weapons the warriors were carrying have been removed (erosion, theft, security of the museum), making the soldiers sometimes look like Playmobils :)

Although many are in good shape, many aren't, and some parts are missing

At least it is still possible to admire with which detail these statues have been sculpted

They were all painted too, but colours are worn out

Kneeling archer. This one was without a doubt equipped with a crossbow

In some areas, archeologists still have some work to do

Chariot wheel

As you probably know, each face is different as each of this statue has been carved after a different soldier.

Entrance of one of the sites. There are 3 sites, the first one being the most impressive for now, as the second was victim to thieves for long period before being discovered by archeologists.

The museum also has tried to replicate some parts of the army

The hall of expositions

Site 2

Site 1

Back to Xi'An city

Here is the Drum tower ...

... and here is the Bell tower

We got pretty angry with this hostel, but I have to admit they had good deco: here a calligraphy set of tools

Today we'll walk on the city walls

Wow, I didn't realise they were this wide

Guard/Watch towers

Hihi, I don't know how much these guys are paid, but surely not enough :p

Old gate to the city.

In the evening we went to an interesting public spectacle ...

... in front of the Big Goose Pagoda ...

... it's very popular among locals and tourists from all over Asia ...

... fountains play along the music ...

... some of these reach very high ...

... so high actually, that they are the highest in Asia ...

... beautiful !