Terracotta Walrus

 It was perhaps unfortunate that our lovely guide pronounced warriors as walruses because most of us spent the morning perplexed about what sea creatures had to do with archaeology. It was a very hot day with high air pollution which started with a visit to the Reproduction Factory. A very interesting explanation of how the originals were made and how the reproductions copied them.  All the heads were removable so while the statues themselves were mass produced, the heads and faces and their helms and hairstyles are unique to each figure.

You could even try a uniform on for size.

The coach then took us to a beautiful park where we negotiated our way past hoards of touts to visit the archaeology site. Originally discovered in 1974 by local farmers the size of the site was astonishing. 

The largest pit (pit 1) contained 100s of models of infantry soliders, supposed to be modeled on real life members of the army and destined to accompany the first Qin (pronounced Chin as in China) Emperor into the afterlife. It was very hot, dark, and crowded as we made our way through the crowds. I was surprised that I can see the remnants of colour on many of my photos as I had understood that the colour had disappeared as the models were exposed to the air.

Next up was pit 3, the command centre. Here you can find the generals and officers.

Finally, pit 2 where the horses, remnants of chariots, as well as cavalrymen. Still a work in progress with much still unexcavated, it's also where the first aid takes place on the statues.

As we were leaving the park we had the opportunity to meet one of the farmers who made the original discovery. They were happy to shake hands and be photographed.

One of the most amazing stops on our visit, something I really didn't appreciate the size and scale of  - as well as the artistry - until I saw it in person.

Another fast train, this time only a bit over 2 hours before we arrived in Zhengzhou. Unfortunately our hotel was another hour away on the bus but this gave us a head start for the next days plans.