While the kids were visiting we took a trip uo north to Xian, where the Terrecotta Warriors were discovered. Xian has a great area called the Muslin Quarter where Muslin Chinese have shops and stalls and sell their wares. Some great food and bargains can be found here. At night, everything is lit up and is stunning to see the old with the new. They are known for the long kites that are flown all around the drum tower. Anyone up for a pedicab ride?

The warrior museum is a must see (there is a reason why it is named the 8th wonder of the world!) It is unimaginable that over 270,000 people were killed to cover up the secret of where things were buried. Each warrior is hand carved from an actual person, they are all different. Only a small portion of the warriors have been uncovered and they are still unearthing and repairing the statues today (work is done at night). We can only imagine the treasures that will be unearthed in the future. We even had the kid's picture taken with the last living farmer who discovered the buried warriors.  You can buy replicas of the warriors in all sizes to take home. Steve is still trying to talk me into a lifesize one for our backyard!

The next day while Steve had to work, the kids and I went to the inner city fortress. It is an ancient city wall that is still used today. We rented bikes and rode all the way around (8 miles) enjoying the spectacular city views. This was not an easy feat as the road is made of cobblestones! Xian is one of our favorite places!