Now for Some Down TimeNow that we have walked where the ancient rulers once walked and climbed the Greatest Wall, it is time to relax and take in the sights of Beautiful Beijing. What better way to see the sight than on a rickshaw ride.

Rickshaw RideRickshaws are a mode of human-powered transport : a runner draws a two-wheeled cart which seats one or two persons. Runner pulled rickshaws have mainly been replaced in China by bicycle rickshaws.Rickshaw transport was an important element in urban development in 20th century China, both in terms of its transport of consumers and for the employment it provided for workers.

Over-Night TrainAfter a relaxing day we head to the train station where we will board our overnight train to Xian.The overnight train from Beijing to Xian leaves from the Beijing West train station. Sleeping on the train is difficult for some, but can be made easier with the use of earplugs and eye shades. Also, there is an outlet (220V) for charging your cell phone or lap top. Bring your own mug and you can make your own coffee or tea with the boiling water available near the wash room. Bring your own towel, wash cloth and toilet paper. Also, hand sanitizer solution is a good idea. Some reports indicate that sleeping on the top bunks is easier. Also, note the car and cot number. Each cabin has four cots starting with 1. So 1-4 are in one cabin, 5-8 in the next cabin and so forth, up to 29-32. The western toilet is near the washroom at the low numbered end and the squat toilet is at the other end of the car. The dining car is car number 9, but it's probably best to have dinner before boarding the train.

Xian Xi'an is has a very important part in Chinese history. It served as the imperial capital for 12 ancient imperial dynasties from 1,000 BC to 1,000 AD. Xi'an was the starting point of the world famous Silk Road, a significant trade route linking ancient China and the central Asian and European countries. Xi'an is blessed with a great number of precious relics and historical sites.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang700,000 forced laborers were sacrificed to construct his tomb which was begun as soon as he ascended the throne. All workers and childless concubines were interred with him to safeguard its secrets. According to Sima Qian's "The Historical Records" written a century later, heaven and earth are represented in the tomb's central chamber. The ceiling, inlaid with pearls, represents the starry heavens. The floor, made of stone, forms a map of the Chinese kingdom; a hundred rivers of mercury flow across it. And all manner of treasure is protected by deadly booby-traps.

Xian Precious Relics The Terracotta Army was discovered in eastern outer suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province by local farmers drilling a water well. The Terracotta Army is a form of funerary art buried with the First Emperor of Qin (Qin Shi Huang, Shi Huang means the first emperor) in 210-209 BCE (he declared himself the first emperor of China in 221 BCE to the end of his life in 210 BCE). Their purpose was to help rule another empire with Shi Huang Di in the afterlife. Consequently, they are also sometimes referred to as "Qin's Armies.It was also said as a legend that the Terracotta Warriors were real soldiers, buried with Emperor Qin so that they can defend him from any dangers in the next life.

Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum

Archeologists have unraveled the mysterious plan of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, the 2,200-year-old structure which is famous as the home of 7,000 terracotta horses and warriors. Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221BC-207BC) and also of China. Covering 2.13 square kilometers, the four-layered mausoleum, like a well-structured city, includes an underground palace, which is the center of the mausoleum, an inner city, outer city and grounds.

Xian Side TripsHere are a few web sites to show you more detail about Xian and the Terracotta Warriors.

http://www.goworldtravel.com/ex/aspx/articleGuid.%7B542E0FE7-5C2C-43BC-8B5D-EADDC2C5682F%7D/xe/article.htm

http://www.imperialtours.net/terracotta_warriors.htm

http://www.chinaodysseytours.com/xian/xian-terracotta-warriors.html

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/xian.htm

ActivityYour have just become the new Emperor of G-Land and you must decide how you want your tomb to look and what to place in your tomb for the afterlife.Decide what is important to you and write a short story describing what you feel is important for todays student.Examples: Computer, Cell Phone, TV, Skateboard, Car, or anything else that is legal but be sure to keep it clean

Final TaskNow that you have described your ideal afterlife it is your final task to create a detailed model or drawing of your Emperors Tomb.You can use any medium includingClayPlay-dohBuilding BlocksKNexPopsicle sticksColored PencilsCrayons

I hope you have enjoyed your trip through Historical sights of China.There are so many more sights to see and experience. I hope you will consider visiting China again some day.

It is time to be on our way home!Zai Jian Good Bye