Terra-cotta Warriors of Xian, China

Xian (pronounced shee-AHN) is one of the greatest cities in the history of world civilization. During China's development it served as the capital of four ruling dynasties - the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Sui and Tang Dynasties. At its height, Xian was the eastern terminus for the Silk Road (an important trading route across Asia). Later, when the city declined in prominence, it was a pivotal way station between the new Chinese capital in Beijing and the Middle-eastern cities of Baghdad and Damascus.

The picture above is the Bell Tower, the focal point of Xian's Ming period street plan. Notice how "old China" is incorporated into the "new China" landscape.

Through the centuries Xian had declined to a city of no real consequence in China's cultural landscape. Then came the discovery of the Terra-cotta Warriors. Today Xian plays host to two million tourists every year and the Warriors are considered the "Eighth Wonder of the World".