Those of you whoa re frequent readers of this blog know that I am a (big) fan of Time's China Blog. Perhaps I am living vicariously through the blog's writers, who have the enviable task of, well, hanging out in China and writing about it. (I know there is more to it than that. I'm sure there are ulcer inducing deadlines and censorship to deal with.)

The latest place profiled on The China Blog is Xian (Xi'an to journalists, academics, and sinophile's). This is China's historical heart. The ancient city wall and the city's drum tower remain intact, giving the city a historic vibe. The Museums bolster this atmosphere, offering some of the best exhibits south of Beijing.

Xi'an is most famous for the Terra Cotta warriors. These eerily lifelike statues were found in an imperial tomb and remain largely intact today. Though it is impossible to view them close up, a visit to the vault where they are kept must be quiet sublime. Some people feel that the statues actual move as they are watching them.