Monthly Archives: June 2008

Xi’an: Ancient Capital

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Xi’an was the capital (or near the capital) of the W Zhou, Qin, W Han, Sui & Tang dynasties. The Dayan (Big Wild Goose) Buddhist Pagoda & the Great Mosque date from the Tang, while the city walls & bell & drum towers were built during the Ming. Nearby is the tomb of First Emperor Qin Shihuang, guarded by the army of terracotta warriors. I have separate albums for that and the provincial museum. I have also included photos of Tang-style costumes & dance performed for the tourist groups. Photos by Gary L. Todd, Ph.D., Professor of History, Sias International University, Xinzheng, Henan, China. https://picasaweb.google.com/GaryLeeTodd/XiAnAncientCapital#

Xinzheng: Birthplace of Chinese Civilization

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Xinzheng is the birthplace (c. 2700 BC) of semi-legendary Yellow Emperor Huangdi, sometimes called the First Ancestor. In the Chunqui & Zhanguo eras it was the capital of the states of Zheng and Han (770-230 BC), and features probably the largest rammed-earth city wall remaining in the world. A 1923 discovery of a tomb of a King of Zheng (Zhengwang) from c. 575 BC led to the birth of modern Chinese archaeology. In addition to a chariot burial, the tomb contained the famous bronze “crane & lotus” urn, arguably the most exquisite bronze vessel ever made. Two ancient towers from Northern Song and Ming Dynasties dominate the riverside area downtown. Zheng-feng Park lies on the river next to the campus of Sias International University. Photos by Gary L. Todd, Ph.D., Professor of History, Sias International University, Xinzheng, Henan, China. http://picasaweb.google.com/GaryLeeTodd/XinzhengBirthplaceOfChineseCivilization#