[saltshaker]

The terracotta warriors in Xian are simply breathtaking. Several years ago the emperor's tomb was not yet opened due to mercury gas inside. If you have an opportunity to visit China, take a few days to spend in Xian. It is well worth it.

[Gatún(CraigIsaMangoTreeLawyer)]

I agree with you. Everything was breathtaking. I suddenly have the itch to pack up and be on the next plane tomorrow headed of Xian. It was a wonderful experience.

[MainFrame65]

My wife and I (along with my son and his new, Chinese wife) visited there in 1994. It has to rank as one of the true wonders of the world. We were told then that they knew that there was even more to be discovered, and this confirms that prediction.

Besides Hong Kong, we visited Dalien, Xiuyan, Dandong, Beijing, Shanghai, Suchow, Hangjou, Xi'an, and Guilin. The last three were the most interesting, with Xi'an at the top of the list. It was the trip of a lifetime, arranged and guided by our son's wife, whose father was a county "mayor" in Northern China. We were guests of a multitude of other government officials at various levels for virtually every meal for the week we were in their part of the country, and had a limo and a police escort for all of that time.

[abner]

emperor's tomb was not yet opened due to mercury gas inside.

Something about a mercury lake & rivers inside of the tomb. Totally fascinating. I imagine it evaporated over the centuries. The mercury lake and rivers would be quite a sight.

[appeal2]

Just don't eat at any local restaurants with Mongolian spit kettles. Your stomach will never forgive you. But yes those soldiers are incredible to look at. You feel like they will start marching any moment.