day 9: terracotta warriors, hot springs

fun fact: xi'an is the eastern terminus of the silk road.

today, in heat well over 100 degrees (though blessedly dry), we headed off to the terra cotta warriors on public bus route 306. it turned out that the bus also went by two other major tourist attractions: the emperor's mausoleum, and the huaqing hot springs.

so, after visiting the warriors, we decided to stop at the hot springs on the way back. not only was this place an imperial garden for 3000 years and a hot springs destination for 6000 years, it was also the site of the 1936 xi'an incident, when chiang kaishek was captured during the civil war. back in the city, we decided to treat ourselves to the all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at the big hotel in town -- the biggest attraction was meat and seafood grilled fresh for you. the lasagna was also interesting. then back out to the bar to watch more world cup.

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