Today we got up around 7AM to take a private tour bus to the Terracotta Warrior replica factory and museum. Emery decided not to stay in the hotel today because he already had seen the warriors a few years ago. But it was my first time so I was somewhat excited.

On the tour bus, our local guide gave us an overview of the history of Xi'an, its notable historical landmarks, and its famous Terracotta Warriors exhibition. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi , wanted to bring lots of things with him in his afterlife so he commanded the mass construction of his tomb at the age of 13. (This guy liked to supersize everything...) Some historians speculated that he originally wanted to bury live soldiers with his body but his advisors convinced him to use clay statues instead.

At the factory, we got to touch the clay and see the kiln where all the mini-warriors were fired up. Our local tour guide informed us that the factory used newer production methods and materials because the original tools were unusable antiques. Also inside the factory was another big overpriced souvenir shop that sold intricate frog and dragon ceramics, painted tiles, and of course, terracotta warriors in a various sizes. I didn't buy anything because most of it was 120Y upwards and I didn't feel like bargaining, nor did I have any room in my suitcase.

The exhibit was located 30-40 minutes away from the factory and was comprised of 4 enormous (230 meters long and 7 meters deep) pits--the 1st being the biggest. In the 1st pit, we could see the armies of life-sized warriors assembled by their rank. There were also half-sized chariots made of bronze and areas were some things weren't restored yet. It was interesting to observe how every soldier had a different face sculpted. Here, we could also see the original spot where Chinese farmers dug out a well and found this great archeological discovery.

Our group watched a short documentary with historical reenactments at the exhibit's cinema, bought ice cream, piddled around in the sun for a bit, said good bye to our local guides then got on the tour bus again.

We returned back to the hotel at 2 after picking up our laundry bags. Becky-Jay treated me to a milk tea around the corner of the street since it was a really hot day. We hung out with Emery in Scott's room for a while exchanging stories about roommates from hell then around 4, we browsed through nearby clothes/shoes market, which was starting to get busy. Bought sweet breads at Bread Talk bakery to snack on while we sorted through racks for the best Chingrish T-shirts.


Later that night, Annmarie and Sarah joined us for dinner in the Muslim Quarter. We chose this place that was also recommended in the guidebooks, called Jiasan Guantang Baozi. They are well-known for their meat dishes and xiaolongbao or steamed buns. Emery ordered us five different kinds that night, along with a light vegetable gelatin-like dish and sugared squash. Very filling.

Afterward, some of us wanted to check out the shops in the quarter for more gifts to bring home. There were a lot of great bargains on traditional dresses, handicrafts, miniature clay figurines and other small trinkets. Street snacks included kababs/skewers, stinky tofu, bars of pounded mung bean, dates, dried fruit, and scallion pancakes.

Most of us trickled back to the hotel before 9. Scott came along with me to Wal-mart on the way back to buy some necessities. Now China's Wal-mart is a whole different place from the ones I know back at home. For one thing, their Rollback sign colors are red and yellow rather than blue and yellow. China's Wal-mart stocks jackfruit, tons of cup ramen, and domestically produced snack products. They also charge for their plastic bags (a very nice green policy IMO). I bought a cheap portable hair dryer for about $10US and some tissues just in case I'm forced into another public squat toilet with no paper situation.



Shared Expenses
Bread Talk bakery goods 14Y
clothes 75Y
more souvenirs from the Muslim Quarter 31Y
dinner at Jiasan Guantang Baozi 46Y (23Y each)
Wal-mart 61Y

total = 277Y approx. $33US

* Thursday, May 7, 2009