Posted on 05/04/2005 12:16:49 AM PDT by Dr. Marten
The photos contained in this album are of the Terra-cotta warriors located in the Shaanxi province, just outside of Xi'an. The Terra-cotta army was constructed by order of Qin Shihuang, who ruled as the first emperor of China from 259 BC - 210 BC.
The soldiers were first discovered by a peasant farmer in 1976 and were thought to be an insignificant discovery by the communist government. Later, a Chinese reporter caught wind of the discovery and used his position to bring proper recognition to the matter and the farmer was later given a whopping 10元 as a reward for his find. If he's still alive today, I wonder what he thinks about the 90元 admission fee that is charged at the gate of what was once "his" farm land?
At any rate, the Terra-cotta soldiers are a truly magnificent site to see and since the excavation is still underway it should provide for another interesting visit in a few years. If you are a fan of Chinese history, the Terra-cotta soldiers are a must see if you are visiting China.
oops, the Chinese characters didn't hold on FR. It should read as follows:
"the farmer was later given a whopping 10RMB as a reward for his find. If he's still alive today, I wonder what he thinks about the 90RMB admission fee that is charged at the gate of what was once "his" farm land?
I don't know about those terracotta warriors. The ones inside look an awful lot like the ones the street vendors are selling out front.
BTW, how is the dust?
Thanks for the ping.
Actually, that farmer has done quite well. When I was in Xian visiting the Terracotta Warriors three years ago, that same farmer was in the gift shop signing autographs and adding his John Hancock to coffee table books. Something tells me that he isn't struggling for money.
Thanks for the update.
Sounds like a happy ending for a good story! A rare thing in China.
"Sounds like a happy ending for a good story! A rare thing in China."
Truer words were never spoken. I've learned that Chinese people don't handle wealth well. The nouveau riche I met in China were the most profoundly obnoxious people I've ever met, and the farmer was no exception. He was so jaded he wouldn't even look up at those whose books he was signing.
I digress-
but I'm confused at the relatively large numbers of people who jump down your throat simply for sharing your opinions. It's weird, like that Taiwanese guy with a chip on his shoulder the size of a sequoia. Living in China, it's good for all of us to hear your views firsthand, and it's strange to see so many on FR who go beyond playing devil's advocate with you. Do your best to pay them no heed.
I can relate. There were a few times some posters found out that I am a Mormon, and their reactions were almost unprintable. It's amazing how much terror and havoc one can wreak simply by uttering the dreaded M-word. It reminds me of the good ol' missionary days in Hong Kong.
Okay, overshare, I know. Have a good one. Feel free to stop by my newly updated profile anytime.
Believe me, I know too.
There are many on FR who don't believe that you can be a conservative without believing in God either. I've caught a lot of crap for that one.
Anyway, if you're up for some short travels to interesting places, check this site out.
http://www.aidcamps.org/volunteer-projects.htm#Nepal
Sounds like it might be right up your alley.
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