An oddly moving experience. They are where they were found, in the original 11 column-filled corridors, but have been roofed over in three separate buildings to protect them from the elements. The wooden chariots also buried then have rotted away, too. I flew the 960 km from Beijing in 90 minutes in a China Northwest Airbus 300. Souvenirs, slides and postcards are sold, of course - important because no one's allowed to photograph the statues.
Prices are low, as they are in most of China.
The 6,000 warriors, all facing the entrance to their ruler's tomb, were moulded of yellowish clay and baked in a kiln, then painted in various colors. In Xi'an are several hotels affiliated with Western chains, and others of the local variety. Finally, you do need a visa for China, even if you go in from Hong Kong. However, tourists wanting to go from there to mainland China do need a visa and can get one through China Travel Services offices in Hong Kong or in Canada from the Chinese consulate in Vancouver, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa or a visa service offered by some travel agents. We welcome your feedback.