A Day Trip Through the Shangxi Province

Hello Friends:

Chinese children are taught that the country of China is shaped like a "proud rooster". Look at a map of China and see if you can see the outline of a rooster!
The heart of the rooster is the Shanxi (Shang-Shee) province. The capital of the province is Xian. Xian is an ancient city, the home of many dynasties. It is also the home of some exciting archaeological sites. Archaeology is the study of ancient man.
I visited three sites on a day trip through the Shangxi Province. The first sight, called Banpo, was the home of a village that existed over 6,000 years ago. That's a long time ago!--in fact, it was during a period of time called the Neolithic Era. These Chinese villagers lived in round or rectangular homes of wood and adobe. They fished out of the nearby rivers, made beautiful pottery, and had a well developed village life. It was very exciting to see this site. Outside the ruins, a full size replica village had been erected. That helped me to picture how life might have been so very long ago.
My next stop was the Summer Palace of the Xin Dynasty. It was very beautiful--almost a picture postcard of all we appreciate about China. This site had hot springs, beautiful buildings, and very lush gardens. Tall blue mountains towered in the background.
My final stop was a long awaited visit to the famous terracotta warriors. Try to imagine over 8,000 full size clay soldiers arranged across two football fields. It is just one of those things you have to see for yourself! I saw clay horses, foot soldiers, generals, and archers. There were also two beautiful bronze chariots. This clay army was created to guard the emperor's tomb.
I came back to Xian with my head full of wondrous images and information. Traveling is a great way to learn. I am sure that my brain is getting quite large after three weeks in China.

Your friend and media specialist,

Mrs. Riddle