The highlight of any trip to Xi'an, the world famous Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are magnificent to behold. The only downside is the sites are relatively quick to "view" and then you are basically on your way. Part of the sites OUV is connected to the detailed armory, weaponry, and dress. I did take time admiring the chariots, horses and various types of warriors. Photography is best with a zoom lens.

Xi'an is a city of contrasts, an incredibly dynamic and beautiful history, yet also at the same time rapidly modernizing. The City Wall is enormous and part of a serial tentative nomination that may one day be inscribed. Numerous properties inside and outside the city are now part of the "Silk Road" world heritage site.

My imagination of Xi'an, the capital of Han and Tang China was infused by that lofty history. Yet, modern China is defined by rapid development. Thus the sounds of construction and the sight of numerous cranes are to be expected.

Xi'an does reveal its rich history, the Mausoleum only discovered in the 1970's is well-known and essential to any visit to the city, but the city offers much more. Where Beijing is a city defined by the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, Xi'an is defined by the Qin, Han, and Tang Dynasties. To better understand the cities history, the Shaanxi History Museum is a good start.

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