China Peony Festival Tour April 2009

 

Great Wall at Mutianyu, with cable car ride included.

As you first look upon the Great Wall, it is impossible not to be awestruck at this manmade structure. Construction started in the 7th century BC, with additions and rebuilding continuing until the 16th century AD. The Great Wall was built to keep out the warring invaders of the north, but additional sections were extended eastward for nearly 6,700 kilometres.

I have been to three different parts of the Great Wall now and must admit that this wall is something you have to walk on to appreciate. Each time you see different aspects and it truly is mind boggling to consider how this wall was built. I loved the fog that surrounded us this morning, it made it look even more mysterious and magical.

This part of the wall had a walkway lined with stalls selling all kinds of things so I took a few pictures on the way down the hill.

The Terra-Cotta Army of Qin Shihuangdi, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world - The Grand Mausoleum of Qin Emperor, the first emperor of China, protected by more than 6000 life size Terra-Cotta Warriors and horses. The exhibit contains multiple exhibition halls, the largest of which is 180 meters by sixty meters in size. The entire site houses the continuing excavation of an army of 6,000 Terra-Cotta soldiers and horses that guard the tomb of Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of a unified China whose geographical region approached the country’s modern area. It is a stunning exhibition of ancient artifacts that is well laid out and easy to view. The Terra Cotta Warriors lie in China’s most famous pomegranate growing area, where, weather permitting, we’ll enjoy their spring blossoms.

Here again you really have to be here to appreciate the size and scope of this excavation. They do not want to open any more pits right now until they figure out how to keep the paint from disappearing on the warriors. I took some photos of posters that showed what they looked like just after digging up and you can see how the air has made an impact on the colours. Couldn’t resist taking this child either…children this age all wear pants that are split down the back, so they can go to the bathroom easier….

Then a visit to a Jade factory to see some exquisite jade.

Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty Show – absolutely yummy and the show is excellent! The most famous dumplings served is in Xian. Xi'an Dumpling Banquet has brought forth new ideas in its color, fragrance, taste and style. The dumpling is no longer one kind of simple flour food. They add more tastes such as sour, sweet, peppery, hemp, etc. As for the style, they create various styles such as flowers, birds, grass, fish and so on. It is said that it is not a perfect visit if you tour Xian without visiting the fantastic Terracotta Army as well as enjoying a Dumpling feast! The Tang Dynasty Show showcases the costumes, music, and dancing of China's golden age: the Tang dynasty (618 - 907). The show begins with an ancient Chinese musical instrument ensemble while you dine and then later the cultural dance segment begins.