Die Terrakotta-Armee von Xi'an

January 26-29, 2018

I had already flown in the smog in Beijing and was already experienced, but what was to follow was even bigger.

Hardly out of the airport, I smelled the burnt smell of coal. A taxi brought me to the hostel and inside, I found a bar and loud music. I was just annoyed because the flight had strong turbulence. It went up and down and I told my buddy in the sky that it was not my time yet. He listened and let me land. After that, I just fell into bed and was grateful to have solid ground under my feet.

The next day, I went to the Terracotta Army and admired the countless clay warriors. They are lifelike and there are hundreds of them in three halls. The faces are all different and there were even bronze horses and chariots. The whole complex was built 1300 years ago (I think) and served as protection for the ruler's afterlife. It took 10 years to build and required all the men in the area at that time. About 700,000 people died and the surrounding area of the construction site came to a standstill. When I stood in one of the halls, it felt like the warriors were staring at me, they looked so real. Very impressive!

The smog level was at 290, which is 270 points higher than in Hamburg. I coughed the whole time and wanted to wash myself. It's just gross and you breathe shallowly, hoping not to have to inhale this air.

The city of Xi'an was the former capital and starting point of the Silk Road. Therefore, there were many temples and a complete city wall. Very beautiful to look at. After delicious fried noodles and hot water, I returned to Beijing the next day.

It was short but very enlightening. Old meets new, all in unhealthy air.