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During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/> The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/> Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
The Jade Emperor is the Daoist ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below including that of Man and Hell, according to Daoist mythology. He is one of the most important gods of the Chinese traditional religious pantheon. <br/><br/> In Daoist theology, the Jade Emperor governs all of the mortals' realm and below, but ranks below the Three Pure Ones.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/> Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/> Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/> The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/> Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
Shimao is a Neolithic site in Shenmu County, Shaanxi, China. The site is located in the northern part of the Loess Plateau, on the southern edge of the Ordos Desert. It is dated to around 2000 BCE, near the end of the Longshan period, and is the largest known walled site of that period in China, at 400 hectares.<br/><br/> The city was surrounded by inner and outer stone walls, in contrast to the rammed earth walls typical of Longshan sites in the Central Plain and Shandong. The walls were 2.5 meters thick on average, with perimeters of approximately 4200 m and 5700 m respectively, and feature gates, turrets and watch towers.<br/><br/> The inner city contained a stone-walled platform, interpreted as a palatial complex, and densely packed residential zones, cemeteries and craft workshops. Unusual features include jade embedded in the city walls, possibly to provide spiritual protection, and paintings of geometrical patterns on the inner walls. Many human skulls were found under the city gate, suggesting ritual sacrifices during construction.
Construction of the first city wall of Chang'an (original name of Xi'an) began in 194 BCE and lasted for four years. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370. It encircles a much smaller city of 14 square kilometres (5.4 sq mi). The wall measures 13.7 kilometres (8.5 mi) in circumference, 12 metres (39 ft) in height, and 15–18 metres (49–59 ft) in thickness at the base.<br/><br/> Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/> Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang. Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
The Jade Emperor is the Daoist ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below including that of Man and Hell, according to Daoist mythology. He is one of the most important gods of the Chinese traditional religious pantheon. <br/><br/> In Daoist theology, the Jade Emperor governs all of the mortals' realm and below, but ranks below the Three Pure Ones.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/> The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/> Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
The Jade Emperor is the Daoist ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below including that of Man and Hell, according to Daoist mythology. He is one of the most important gods of the Chinese traditional religious pantheon. <br/><br/> In Daoist theology, the Jade Emperor governs all of the mortals' realm and below, but ranks below the Three Pure Ones.
Construction of the first city wall of Chang'an (original name of Xi'an) began in 194 BCE and lasted for four years. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370. It encircles a much smaller city of 14 square kilometres (5.4 sq mi). The wall measures 13.7 kilometres (8.5 mi) in circumference, 12 metres (39 ft) in height, and 15–18 metres (49–59 ft) in thickness at the base.<br/><br/> Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/> Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang. Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xiaoyan Ta (Little Wild Goose Pagoda) stands in the grounds of Jianfu Si (Jianfu Temple). Dating from 684 CE, this temple was dedicated to the deceased Tang Emperor Gaozong (r. 649-83).<br/><br/>Between 707 and 709 Gaozong’s successor, Emperor Zhongzong (r. 684 and 705-710), ordered the construction of the Xiaoyan Ta to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India and Srivijaya by the itinerant Chinese monk Yi Jing (635-713). In all, Yi Jing is reported to have collected more than 400 Buddhist manuscripts over 25 years of travel, and these were lodged in the Little Wild Goose Pagoda for safekeeping and translation.<br/><br/>In its original form, the ochre-yellow pagoda rose through a total of 15 storeys, though an earthquake in 1487 is said to have split the pagoda in half. A subsequent earthquake brought the two halves of the pagoda back together again – it must have been a fortuitously precise tremor, as no signs of the former split remain visible – but at the cost of the top two storeys, reducing the pagoda to its current 13 levels.<br/><br/>There is a small stele garden to the east of the pagoda.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/>Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/>Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
The Great Mosque of Xian, founded in 742 CE, is the oldest mosque in China. The original structure was built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) although much of the present day mosque was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).<br/><br/> The mosque is completely Chinese in its construction and architectural style, except for some Arabic lettering and decorations. There are no domes or traditional-style minarets.
The Great Mosque of Xian, founded in 742 CE, is the oldest mosque in China. The original structure was built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) although much of the present day mosque was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).<br/><br/> The mosque is completely Chinese in its construction and architectural style, except for some Arabic lettering and decorations. There are no domes or traditional-style minarets.
The Great Mosque of Xian, founded in 742 CE, is the oldest mosque in China. The original structure was built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) although much of the present day mosque was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).<br/><br/> The mosque is completely Chinese in its construction and architectural style, except for some Arabic lettering and decorations. There are no domes or traditional-style minarets.
The Great Mosque of Xian, founded in 742 CE, is the oldest mosque in China. The original structure was built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) although much of the present day mosque was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).<br/><br/> The mosque is completely Chinese in its construction and architectural style, except for some Arabic lettering and decorations. There are no domes or traditional-style minarets.
The Great Mosque of Xian, founded in 742 CE, is the oldest mosque in China. The original structure was built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) although much of the present day mosque was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).<br/><br/> The mosque is completely Chinese in its construction and architectural style, except for some Arabic lettering and decorations. There are no domes or traditional-style minarets.
The Great Mosque of Xian, founded in 742 CE, is the oldest mosque in China. The original structure was built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) although much of the present day mosque was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).<br/><br/> The mosque is completely Chinese in its construction and architectural style, except for some Arabic lettering and decorations. There are no domes or traditional-style minarets.
The Great Mosque of Xian, founded in 742 CE, is the oldest mosque in China. The original structure was built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) although much of the present day mosque was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).<br/><br/> The mosque is completely Chinese in its construction and architectural style, except for some Arabic lettering and decorations. There are no domes or traditional-style minarets.
Jiaozi typically consists of a ground meat and/or vegetable filling wrapped into a thinly rolled piece of dough, which is then sealed by pressing the edges together or by crimping.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/>Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/>Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/>Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/>Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/>Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
From the Dutch brood, the German brot and the Frisian brea, the Old English bread is a food type popular around the world and as old as organised civilisation. It is the staple food in Europe and European-influenced cultures in the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, in contrast to the importance of rice in East and Southeast Asia.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/>Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/>Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/>Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.<br/><br/>Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
The Drum Tower of Xi'an was erected in 1380 during the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/> Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang. Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/>The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/>Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/>The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/>Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/>The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/>Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/>The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/>Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/>The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/>Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/>The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/>Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/>The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/>Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
Construction of the first city wall of Chang'an (original name of Xi'an) began in 194 BCE and lasted for four years. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370. It encircles a much smaller city of 14 square kilometres (5.4 sq mi). The wall measures 13.7 kilometres (8.5 mi) in circumference, 12 metres (39 ft) in height, and 15–18 metres (49–59 ft) in thickness at the base.<br/><br/> Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/> Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang. Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
Construction of the first city wall of Chang'an (original name of Xi'an) began in 194 BCE and lasted for four years. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370. It encircles a much smaller city of 14 square kilometres (5.4 sq mi). The wall measures 13.7 kilometres (8.5 mi) in circumference, 12 metres (39 ft) in height, and 15–18 metres (49–59 ft) in thickness at the base.<br/><br/> Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/> Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang. Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/> The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/> Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
The Long March (simplified Chinese: é•¿å¾; traditional Chinese: é•·å¾; pinyin: ChángzhÄ“ng) was a military retreat undertaken by the Red Army of the Communist Party of China, the forerunner of the People's Liberation Army, to evade the pursuit of the Kuomintang (KMT or Chinese Nationalist Party) army. There was not one Long March, but a series of marches, as various Communist armies in the south escaped to the north and west.<br/><br/> The most well known is the march from Jiangxi province which began in October 1934. The First Front Army of the Chinese Soviet Republic, led by an inexperienced military commission, was on the brink of annihilation by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's troops in their stronghold in Jiangxi province. The Communists, under the eventual command of Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, escaped in a circling retreat to the west and north, which reportedly traversed some 12,500 kilometers (8,000 miles) over 370 days. The route passed through some of the most difficult terrain of western China by traveling west, then north, to Shaanxi.<br/><br/> The Long March began the ascent to power of Mao Zedong, whose leadership during the retreat gained him the support of the members of the party. The bitter struggles of the Long March, which was completed by only one-tenth of the force that left Jiangxi, would come to represent a significant episode in the history of the Communist Party of China, and would seal the personal prestige of Mao and his supporters as the new leaders of the party in the following decades.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/> The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/> Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/> The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/> Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/> The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/> Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/>The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/>Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/> The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/> Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/> The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/> Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.<br/><br/> The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.<br/><br/> Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/> Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang. Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty.<br/><br/> Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang. Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.