The Wild Geese Temple was well known outside China as a significant place for Japanese and Korean Buddhists to study. Under the Revolution, it was not relevant to China. One of the many places that has been rebuilt under the new openness policy, there are few sections that are old, and most construction is within the last couple of years. The large pagoda is home to a significant library collection.
From there, it was to a workshop that hand carved Jade (just about all Jade is Handcarved) and also “produced” handwoven silk tapestries.
The size of the showroom was amazing – but the prize winner – among all the exquisite items were the garden gnomes.
Passing the old city wall again after lunch – we were on our way to the Emperor’s Terracotta Army.
Discovered by a farmer trying to dig a well in 1974 – it is one of the major archaeological finds of the last and this century. Originally not as well controlled as one would like, the digging has settled into a routine headed by a team of 20 archaeologists and serves as a training ground in China for the discipline. The digs are covered by three enormous buildings, the largest more than a football stadium in size.
Leaving there – it had been a long day and just watching the traffic on the way home –
We have been collecting various signs along the trip. The kids found what is likely to be my favorite stenciled on a passing bus window. And perhaps yours as well, considering the only other sign on the side of the bus was a “no talking to the driver.”
-Holly
Perhaps I could suggest to the Australian authorities that they could use a similar sign? There is no knitting on our flights AT ALL.
Was the terracotta army as amazing as it seems it would be?
No knitting on a bus? How terrible.
I love the photo of the silk tapestry.
Am really enjoying your travel diary. But right now I’m picking myself up off the floor after seeing that sign! Wow.