2005- China- Lushan Buddha- Largest in the world!

China, land of contrast and YES, mystery. Photo at far left shows part of a 2200 year-old "army" of terra cotta warriors in Xi'An, constructed to protect 1st dynasty Emperor Qin who (foolishly?) wanted protection in the after-life. Incredible excavation which has been ongoing since the original discovery in 1974 and the chariots and horses are breathtaking (seen on the Chinese Yuan dollar bill).
The two other photos are of the largest Buddha statue (230 feet high carved out of a cliff on the river) in the world (can you see Robert peeking out?) a UNESCO World Heritage Site south of Chengdu. It is now part of a Buddhist monastery, alive with Chinese culture and tradition....the beautiful (climbable) Emei Mountain is nearby and needs to be experienced at sunrise.