The past three memorable days were spent in Xian, one of the most ancient cities in China, home to 13 dynasties and almost all of the most famous art. They don't have a subway system in Xian, supposedly because whenever they dig, they hit some archaeological relic.
There are more than 80 imperial tombs around Xian dating back as early as the Han dynasty, 2nd c. BC, and stretching into the Tang Dynasty (7th century). Rulers in the Tang dynasty would start building their tombs as soon as they came to power. The Chinese always think BIG, and nothing proves it like the Tang Dynasty tomb of Qinliangshang. The tomb is built a mountain for protection, with a long pathway leading up to it marked by large stone guardian statues.
My dad at the entrance to the tomb.
A winged horse stone sculpture.
Since they have not formally excavated the tomb of Qinliangshan, we couldn't enter it, but we could go into some smaller tombs of lesser princes and princesses. This is a stone sculpture of a sheep from the outside of Prince Zhanghuai's tomb.
The tomb has a long ramp that leads down into the inner chambers, and the walls are covered with beautiful paintings.
From the tomb of Princess Yongtai.
A picture of the ladies in waiting.
It was a long ride to the Famen Temple, the oldest Buddhist site in all of China. The building has been completely rebuilt in recent years.
The reason why we went there was for the relics that were unearthed a few years ago, when an earthquake destroyed most of the original stupa. In the foundation of the stupa, they found an underground "palace" that housed several golden reliquaries containing remains of the Buddha. The shot below is of this secret chamber, where the golden bounty was found.
There are more than 80 imperial tombs around Xian dating back as early as the Han dynasty, 2nd c. BC, and stretching into the Tang Dynasty (7th century). Rulers in the Tang dynasty would start building their tombs as soon as they came to power. The Chinese always think BIG, and nothing proves it like the Tang Dynasty tomb of Qinliangshang. The tomb is built a mountain for protection, with a long pathway leading up to it marked by large stone guardian statues.
My dad at the entrance to the tomb.
A winged horse stone sculpture.
Since they have not formally excavated the tomb of Qinliangshan, we couldn't enter it, but we could go into some smaller tombs of lesser princes and princesses. This is a stone sculpture of a sheep from the outside of Prince Zhanghuai's tomb.
The tomb has a long ramp that leads down into the inner chambers, and the walls are covered with beautiful paintings.
From the tomb of Princess Yongtai.
A picture of the ladies in waiting.
It was a long ride to the Famen Temple, the oldest Buddhist site in all of China. The building has been completely rebuilt in recent years.
The reason why we went there was for the relics that were unearthed a few years ago, when an earthquake destroyed most of the original stupa. In the foundation of the stupa, they found an underground "palace" that housed several golden reliquaries containing remains of the Buddha. The shot below is of this secret chamber, where the golden bounty was found.
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