Last Words

The silk road has been amazing! And I could not believe that I had ventured 5000 kilometres in 3 weeks! 

I would definitely miss the awesome Central Asia scene in the border towns of Xinjiang, and how they slowly turn more and more oriental as I move eastwards, heading for Xi'an. Imagine how traders used to travel between the Middle Kingdom and Europe, and how these caravans are packed with exotic commodities, braving through the barren desserts and serpentine mountain paths. 

I couldn't make it to Northern Xinjiang for its awesome landscape views, and that might serve as a motivation to visit here again, someday, soon.

The 8th Wonder of the World - Terracotta Army

I woke up pretty early today, as it would be a long day ahead for me. I had two options in mind - terracotta army, or Mount Huashan; obviously I chose terracotta warriors because I didn't want to climb up Mount Huashan alone this time. I know I would definitely be back again to this amazing city.

Making my way to Terracotta Army was a bit complicated. Sources from the internet clearly warned that there are plenty of fake buses around that would take you elsewhere instead, or charge your exorbitantly for the bus ride, hence one should exercise caution and pick the right official bus. Nonetheless, when you reach the meeting point, chaotic with touts beseeching you and tempting you with all sorts of offer, one may get dissuaded to visit the Terracotta Army seeing the long waiting lines for the right bus, or follow the touts instead of queueing up.

Pavillion

Chinese Garden in Hua Ching Chi

Well, I chose to wait and queue up anyway, hence, after 30 minutes of waiting in line, I finally got up onto the bus, and headed towards the first destination - HuaQing Palace. Historically, this site used to be a hot spring pool where the infamous Lady Yang, Royal Consort of emperor Xuan Zong of the Tang Dynasty used to skinny dip in. Lady Yang, known as one of China's 4 most prettiest woman in history, was the cause of the downfall of the grand Tang dynasty. As usual, the emperor was so obsessed with her beauty that he spent more time frolicking with her, than managing his own country.

Lady Concubine Yang

Lovebirds

Currently, this place has been developed into a touristy attraction, with new pavilions and towers, and wi-fi too! Admission is expensive but it's still worth a visit since it's in the middle between Xi'an and the Terracotta Army. 

After lingering for almost an hour here, I made my way towards the Terracotta Army. The bus ride was uneventful but what infuriated me was the touts awaiting me at the bus stop!

The moment I disembarked I was swarmed by annoying touts, whom cooked up the dumbest excuse I have ever heard throughout my entire life!

"This is not the entrance to the Terracotta Army. The real entrance is 5km away, and you need to take a cab there."

One of the biggest lie I have ever heard in my life. The entrance is just around 50 steps ahead and these donkeys tried to belittle tourists with such low-class lies? At least they should have come up with something better! At least trying to sell me some overpriced souvenirs would show more creativity. 

I had to yell at some of them because they were too annoying; I was standing in front of the entrance looking at the site map, when they came one by one, like a broken radio, repeating the same thing over and over again. Eventually I yelled at them, and shooed them away to leave me in peace. After 5 minutes of silence, they flocked towards me again, but backed away when I gave them my death stare. 

Anyway, I agreed with the general saying about the Terracotta Army. If you visit it, you will regret for 15 minutes, but if you do not visit it, you will regret it for life!

There are 3 burial mounds, which comes in different size. If my memory serves me well, site no. 3 happens to be the most grandest, hence, you should always start your tour from the smallest mound to the grandest one. Otherwise, you will get disappointed. 

Kneeling infantry

Cavalry

Sites no. 1 and 2 has only a few terracotta armies exhibited but most are chariots and cavalry. Site no. 3 however, has flanks of infantry (at least a hundred of them?), hence the sight is much more grand compare to the former 2. Yet, aside from these terracotta statues, there's nothing else to see. Hence, the 15 minutes of disappointment, especially when you have paid the exorbitant entrance fees.

Site 2

Site 3

Nonetheless, looking back at it, it was quite worth it, since you don't really get to see it anywhere else. Each one of the statues are unique, as in the facial expressions, gestures and armor details are different. Imagine the hard work the ancient people has put in trying to accomplish such a feat! The 8th wonder of the wonder indeed! It is sad to know that when freshly unearthed, these statues were vibrant with colour, which slowly gets faded with oxidation as they get exposed to air. 

The moat of the old city wall

Drum Tower

It was almost dusk when I was done with the terracotta army, and hence I boarded the bus back to my hotel for a good rest. The following day would be my final day in Xi'an, and I was aiming to walk around this small city before my journey back to Malaysia. I was already homesick, so aside from the Muslim Quarters, I didn't visit much, and spent most of the time resting in the hotel. 

Hustle and bustle of Muslim Quarters