Stand face-to-face with the mysterious Terracotta Warriors

See one of China’s hidden gems, the Han Yangling Museum

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Begin this Xian day trip with a guided tour of the city’s remarkable wonders and incredible culture.

Start with a visit to the famed Terracotta Warriors. Spread over three pits, these underground statues are steeped in legend. Listen as the guide explains some of the most popular theories. Hear about Qin Shi Huangdi’s fear of malevolent spirits and the terracotta statues infantrymen, archers and cavalry riders he built to protect him in the afterlife. Admire the incredible craftsmanship that gave each warrior a different face and costume. Start from pit 2, which is still being excavated, before moving on to pit 3 which shelters the majority of statues. Then end at pit 1 which has over 2,000 warriors.

Continue to the small museum nearby that houses two splendid bronze chariots found in 1980 west of the mausoleum. Then return to Xi’an via car, reflecting upon the morning’s incredible tour.

Explore one of China’s lesser known sites, the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi. Also known as Han Yangling Museum, the site receives fewer visitors that the famed Terracotta Warriors yet is equally impressive.

Arrive at the immense burial compound, covering about 10 square kilometres in total. Get an orientation to the site which is dedicated to Emperor Jingdi who reigned during the ancient Han Dynasty (118-141). Learn about Jingdi, a ruler who believed strongly in the Taoist beliefs. He greatly improved the lives of his subjects and greatly reduced the military’s activities, creating a more peaceful society. Jingdi’s beliefs are reflected in the items found in his tomb.

Armed with this background information, it is time to explore the tomb. Only opened to the public in 2006, there are 21 pits to explore. Unlike the Terracotta Warriors, the items in Jingdi’s tomb reflect daily life of the regular citizens. Most of the valuable items have been moved to the museum but it is still possible to see recently excavated artefacts in the pits. Many of the pits have a glass floor which allow better viewing of the ongoing excavation work.

Continue to the museum to see its extensive display of excavated items. Jingdi’s tomb was filled with more than 50,000 terracotta figurines representing eunuchs, servants and animals and some of these delicate items are on display. The human figurines are believed to have been covered in silk clothes which have now faded with time.

Return to the hotel.