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CHINA
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On our tour of China we will visit Beijing, Xian, Cruise the Yangtze River, Chongqing, Chengdu and Hong Kong.
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XIAN
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Your tour in Xian includes a visit to our hotel,a ride through the streets of Xian, the Terri Cotta Army Museum, a Furniture Factory, a Jade Factory, a local Medicine Market, a local School, the Shaanxl History Museum, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and finally an overnight stay with a Chinese Family.
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TRAIN TO XIAN -Our train arrives early this morning in Xian. Located in the fertile Wei River valley, Xian was once the largest city in the world during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the capital of eleven dynasties, a major trading hub along the Silk Route, and a center of Chinese civilization. Though its glory days are long over, it is still a cultural and intellectual capital, boasting some eleven universities, a thriving artist's community, and a burgeoning film industry. To view photos click on THUMBNAILS
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OUR HOTEL in XIAN- To view photos click on THUMBNAILS and /or SLIDE SHOW
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STREETS OF XIAN - Take a ride through Xian by clicking on THUMBNAILS and/or SLIDE SHOW
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| TERRA COTTA ARMY TOUR- Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had begun to work for his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his after life. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb in 1974. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. They came to Xian in droves to study and to extend the digs. They had established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC).
The State Council authorized to build a museum on site in 1975. When completed, people from far and near came to visit. Xian and the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses have become landmarks on all travelers' itinerary.
 Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard should look like in those days of pomp and vigor.
The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections: No. 1 Pit, No. 2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit respectively. They were tagged in the order of their discoveries. No. 1 Pit is the largest, first opened to the public on China's National Day, 1979. There are columns of soldiers at the front, followed by war chariots at the back.
No. 2 Pit, found in 1976, is 20 meters northeast of No. 1 Pit. It contained over a thousand warriors and 90 chariots of wood. It was unveiled to the public in 1994.Archeologists came upon No. 3 Pit also in 1976, 25 meters northwest of No. 1 Pit. It looked like to be the command center of the armed forces. It went on display in 1989, with 68 warriors, a  war chariot and four horses.
Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.
The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is a sensational archeological find of all times. It has put Xian on the map for tourists. It was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages. Photos can be viewed by clicking on THUMBNAILS and/or SLIDE SHOW
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FURNITURE FACTORY TOUR -View photos by clicking on THUMBNAILS and/or SLIDE SHOW
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| THE SHAANXL MUSEUM-Considered one of China's best museums, the Shaanxi's exhibits range from ancient bronze tools to Ming and Qing Dynasty artifacts. Admire the classic pale-green pottery and Buddhist statues, and enjoy a first glimpse of some of the famed terra cotta warriors. View photos by clicking on THUMBNAILS and/or SLIDE SHOW |
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JADE FACTORY TOUR- View photos by clicking on THUMBNAILS and/or SLIDE SHOW
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MEDICINE MARKET TOUR -View photos by clicking on THUMBNAILS and/or SLIDE SHOW
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| CHINESE SCHOOL VISIT- View photos by clicking on THUMBNAILS and /or SLIDE SHOW |
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| BIG POGADA TOUR- Built in the 7th century to house Buddhist scriptures, the towering Goose Pagoda contains statues of Buddhist figures in Chinese history and notable Tang Dynasty artworks. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the bustling city and verdant countryside. - View photos by clicking on THUMBNAILS and/or SLIDE SHOW |
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| FARMERS OVERNIGHT STAY-To see how local people live we drive to the village of Hu Xian. We start our vist by touring an older part of town. Most of the people have moved to a new part of town which we now visit. This gives you an idea how China is changing today. After the tour we were introduced to a family which took us to their home for the evening meal and a nights stay in their home. View photos by clicking on THUMBNAILS and/or SLIDE SHOW |
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The tour of Xian is completed. We will now travel by air to Wuhan, China then transfer by bus to Maoping, China and board our cruise ship on the Yangtze River. To continue the tour click on
YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
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Return to China & Tibet Home Page |
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