In Xi'an, we arrived and met our new guide for the couple of days that we would spend here. We first went to get some food at a restaurant that was near to our hotel. We arrived at the hotel after we ate dinner and it was really nice. It was located at the center of the small downtown and it had just recently completed construction. They gave us the rest of the evening off since we had just arrived.
On Monday, we had a very nice breakfast at the hotel and met at the lobby. We climbed on the bus and our guide gave us some background on the Terracotta Warrior site. I was really excited about seeing this and I think everyone else was anticipating the visit. I have heard about this “eighth wonder of the world” for quite some time and I really couldn't believe I was able to see it in person. When we entered the building of the first tomb it was like a picture. They estimate that there are approximately 8000 of these clay soldiers buried at this site. It wasn't until 1974 when a farmer discovered one of the clay soldiers that they decided to excavate. Each soldier is built to the real scale and they all have different facial features. Experts believe the army was built to protect the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor. The majority of the army is still buried and archeologists think there could be many more pits in the area. We took quite a few photos of the soldiers and headed to the second pit where there were war chariots and infantrymen. It was unbelievable to think this place actually exists and I was so grateful to visit the site. We walked around outside and many of us bought small terracotta soldiers made by local farmers for souvenirs. A couple of us got books on the area and then had them signed by the farmer that discovered the site. He has a small office at the location and meets people as he signs books. I figured a person could retire after discovering that but I guess he likes to meet people.
We had some lunch after visiting the site then headed to the Huaqing Hot Springs. This is a recreated site but there are many of the original hot springs still there. It was used by the emperors between 221 BC and 907 AD. It was interesting to walk around and see the area. After the hot springs, we visited the city center and the Pagoda's that sit in the park. They are over 1000 years old and sit next to the largest fountain in China. Many of us came back to this site for the evening light show that was performed which was spectacular.
Adam Silvis is a 2/c cadet and Student Trustee at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
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