Xi`an, China

Xi`an was China’s ancient capital for a thousand years. Once known as Chang’an (Eternal Peace), Xi`an is a large city and capital of Shaanxi Province in central China. It marks the Silk Road’s eastern terminus and was home to several dynasties, most notably the Tang dynasty, considered by many to be China’s golden age for artistic and cultural expression.
Xi`an’s main tourist attraction is the 3rd-century BCE Terracotta Army commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the founder of the Qin dynasty and the first emperor of China. The terracotta sculptures are a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210-209 BCE with the purpose of protecting him in his afterlife. The figures include warriors, chariots and horses. It is estimated that there are more than 8.000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 calvary horses, most remaining in place in the pits near the emperor’s mausoleum.
The wall surrounding the old city of Xi`an is the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city walls in China. It has been refurbished many times since it was built in the 14th century.
The photos in this slideshow were taken by Michael Pietrusewsky while on a visit to Xi`an courtesy of Viking ocean cruises.
“Warriors of light” Music by HD Studio from Pixabay
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