I seem to run out of topics lately, so I decided to do a series of doodles for Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, my second hometown. I see it as my "second" hometown, because it is not a place where I was born, but where I grew up all the way till I came abroad.
Every time when people asked where I was from and I said "Xi'an", most of them had no idea. However, once I said that's where the "Terracotta Warriors and Horses" were, people generally said they've heard of them.
Yes, Xi'an is best known for its ancient soldier and horse statues, which were buried with Qin Emperor, the first empire of the ancient China. It's a masterpiece from more than 2000 years ago and one of the Eight Wonders of the World.
To me, Xi'an's "Terracotta Warriors and Horses" is stunning artwork, and yet there are other aspects that touches my heart:
1. It's one of the oldest cities in China, and has held the position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. It's also the starting point of the Silk Road. There are quite a few museums you can go to to learn about this area.
2. Food, food, food. Xi'an people are good at making noodles and many other delicious foods. It's definitely one of the things I miss most. Very few restaurants can make decent Xi'an food in the US.
3. Mount Hua, located to the east of Xi'an. It is the western mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China. It has five peaks, and the tallest peak is more than 2000 meters (7000 feet) tall.
I'm very excited to bring this great city in front of more people and hope it sparks more interest for world travelers.
