Spring excursion -- southwest China to the Great Wall

 Chengdu, southwest China, is already heating up with temps in the 90s. Above, monks from Wenshu Temple.

 From Chengdu, we headed north by train to Xi'an, gateway to the Silk Road.

 Xi'an is famous for it's 10,000 terracotta warriors, discovered in 1974. Each warrior has its own distinct facial features.

 I snapped this shot at Big Goose Pagoda in Xi'an. Definitely people of a Chinese ethnic minoritiy, but I don't know which one.

 Above 3 photos, the colorful and vibrant Muslim Street, Xi'an.

 From Xi'an we headed north to Pingyao, one of China's best preserved ancient walled towns.

 I loved the old Chinese inn where I stayed, but don't think they should offer a gift (free bottle of Pingyao vinegar) if you give the place a good review.

 First time I've seen one of these stages with an entranceway underneath.

 We happened to be in Pingyao during the May Day celebration, so it was extremely crowded.

...also many people  up north at Badaling (Great Wall). At around 7:30 am at the Beijing train station people were queiing for trains to Badaling, with a wait of around 3 hours.