Tomb of Emperor Jing Di

Any trip to Xi'An must include a visit to the famed Terra Cotta Warriors.  The five of us were planning on heading out on the public bus, but when we got to the station, we saw a huge long line (going to see sites on a Chinese holiday weekend, not advised) so we found a driver for the day.  The bonus of the driver is that he suggested we head out to a different tomb in the morning, let the crowds clear out at the warriors and see them at the end of the day.  So off we went to the tomb of Emperor Jing Di, who ruled from 188-141 BC.  What fascinates me is to think that this was happening at the same time as the Roman Republic over on the other side of the world.

Here's a model of what they think the tomb complex looks like.  The mound in the middle is the actual tomb and then the "strip" tombs all around are buried items to send with the Emperor into the afterlife.

Approaching the tomb.  It's the only point of any elevation in a flat landscape.

Most of the "strip" tombs as well as the main tomb are still yet to be unearthed.  Here's an outline of the tombs.

What's fascinating about the tomb here is that glass walkways are built OVER the "strip" tombs so you can look down into the pits and actively see what is being excavated.

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The tombs here show a lot about daily life under the Emperor, such as vases

Animals and these figurines, which had wooden arms so they could be dressed, and not necessarily as soldiers but as ordinary citizens.

Pigs, chickens and dogs ceramic figures are also found in the tomb.  In many ways, the tomb of Emperor Jing Di was a more interesting experience than the Terra Cotta warriors.

Lastly, on our drive to and from the tomb, I saw this and had to take a picture.  I think the photo speaks for itself.