Xi-An
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Xi-An was the imperial capital of the Han Dynasty 206 BC - 23 AD, and Wei, Sui, and Tang Dynasties 534 - 907 AD.
Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 - 210 BC; Qin Dynasty 221-207 BC)
Archeological site of the Terra Cotta Warriors
Emperor Qin Shi Huang united the country, standardized currency and written script, and built the first defensive 'Great Wall'. This grandiose tomb contained over 6000 terra cotta figures of warriors, officials, and animals. It was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well (one of them signs photo books in the museum gift shop). The known parts (the burial chamber has not been found) of the tomb site are enclosed to make a museum and protected archealogical site. The excavation is still in progress.
This portion of the exhibit shows reconstructed warrior and animal statues
These two bronze chariots were unearthed at the periphery of the tomb
Here is part of the active "Dig" site, with recently uncovered, not reconstructed statue fragments
