A Visit to Xi'an

Last spring I decided to travel to China.  I knew I wanted to see the Great Wall and visit the Panda Reserves but determining which other cities or sites to visit took some research.  After much time online reading reviews, Xi'an was added to the list of cities to visit.  

Xi'an is one of the oldest cities in China.  It is home to more than eight million people, a walled city, a great bell tower, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and not far from the Terracotta Warriors.  This is a city that has much to offer and even more to photograph in a relatively close area.


A beautiful city, Xi'an was a delight to visit.  The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was surrounded by serene gardens and amazing architecture.  


Probably the most impressive is the Terracotta Warrior Army.  These underground warriors were discovered in 1974 by a local farmer digging a well.  Somewhere around 8000 soldiers, chariots, and horses all constructed from clay from the Li Mountain were hidden underground to guard the Qin Emperor's tomb.  Amazingly enough the farmer, now much older, can often by found on site signing his book.  


The amazing clay warriors are each unique and stand the height of a full grown man.  It is said that at the time of construction the clay warriors were painted beautiful vibrant colors.  Although one or two of the painted warriors are on display in a case, the majority now longer retain their color.  


Careful reconstruction of the Army is underway and can be viewed in one of the four pits. Piece by piece the warriors are being put back together and placed in their original locations.  The warriors are a magnificent site to behold.    

Today's take-aways:

1) Make sure you check the voltage and frequency of electronics for the different countries you will visit.  Converters and surge protectors will be necessary to charge and protect your equipment.  

2) Hand carry all photography equipment on the plane.  Lost equipment is a show stopper.

3) Avoid changing lens in dry, dusty, or humid areas.  The more your lens are changed the greater the chance to introduce dust or moisture into the camera.

4) Don't forget safety when traveling.  Discretion is important and you are carrying quite a bit of expensive gear.

5) Verify your home/rental insurance policy will cover lost of stolen camera gear before you depart will be useful.  Your insurance may not cover camera gear or it may be as easy as taking out an additional policy. 

6) Enjoy your travels!

Happy Photographing!

 

Here are a few of my favorites from the Xi'an visit: