Our Asian Adventures

July - August 2017
A 14-day adventure by Pam - Debbie Read more
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  • 2countries
  • 14days
  • 65photos
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  • 11.5kkilometers
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  • Day 11

    Xian

    August 6, 2017 in China ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Early starts are a regular occurance on this holiday but we do not mind as it means we beat the crowds and the traffic! Another exciting day - the Terracotta Army! Discovered in 1974 by accident when local farmers were digging a well - they broke into a pit containing 6000 life-size terracotta figures. Excavation started in 1976 which revealed two further pits - and apparently there are thought to be more smaller pits not yet excavated.

    The army was built to guard the tomb of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang who lived over 2,200 years ago - hope you are taking all this history in as we will be testing you on out return!

    We could have stood looking at this amazing site for hours - sadly not possible. The detail on each figure is absolutely unbelievable. Definitely a memory to treasure and we both have 2 (slightly smaller) ones to enjoy at home!!

    Some interesting info - the hands and heads of each of the warriors were made separately and each head is reputed to be unique with individual features and facial expressions.

    To end this special day, our evening was spent at the Tang Dynasty dinner and show. A lovely Chinese meal that included delicious rice wine was followed by a show of dances and music from the Tang Dynasty. Amazing colourful costumes, traditional music and spectacular dancing the evening was packed full of entertainment.
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  • Day 13

    Beijing

    August 8, 2017 in China ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    This trip has been packed full of fantastic opportunities but today was one we were all really looking forward to - the Great Wall of China 🇨🇳!

    We were actually pleased to wake to an overcast sky and slightly cooler weather - and again we didn't mind the very early start!

    The first glimpse of the wall brought lots of oooh's and aah's - and we couldn't wait to get started with our trek! Obligatory stop at the Happy Room first, a group photo and then we were on our way!

    Built mainly during the Ming Dynasty the wall once stretched for more than 6,200 miles and it certainly is a "great wall!"

    The sun didn't stay away - it came out just as we started out on our trek - and I think half of China joined us too! Boy, it was steep in places but we made it as far as possibly could and got back on time too! .

    We didn't want to leave that was for sure! On the way back back to the hotel we had the chance to take a stroll down the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs, situated in a beautiful valley that the emperors chose as their buriel place.

    The it was back to the hotel with the coach driver making a detour so we could see the birds nest stadium - home to the Beijing Olympics. Another fabulous sight!

    What a day!
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