What an awesome day! It began with a visit to the Banpo Village. This 6000 year old village was unearthed in 1953. The settlement consists of a residential area, a pottery making zone, and a burial-tomb plot. Artifacts include pottery and early fishing and farming utensils.
Prior to our long awaited trip to the terra cotta warrior excavation site, we visited the Terra Cotta Pottery Factory. Here we watched local artisans create model terra cotta army figures and had the opportunity to purchase miniature warriors as keepsakes.
Our highlight of the day, and most likely of this past week, was seeing the terra cotta army! Ordered to be built by the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, the tomb is known as the eighth wonder of the world. Construction began when the Emperor was only 13 years old and continued for 37 years until he died at the age of 50. It is estimated that 700,000 laborers worked to construct the tomb. Over 500 pits were discovered, with three currently excavated. It is believed that 8000 life size warriors, horses, and chariots are buried there!
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| Terra-Cotta warriors |
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| Taking a break! |
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| Banpo Village |
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| Banpo Billage craftswoman |
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| Banpo Village |
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