FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 1, 2009

Discover China in DC: Terra Cotta Warriors & More

When Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor makes the final stop on its U.S. tour at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, DC this fall, visitors will also find China connections at other locations in the city.

On display in DC Nov. 19, 2009 through March 31, 2009, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor features 15 life-sized terra cotta figures unearthed from the tomb of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, who ruled from 221-210 B.C.  The terra cotta warriors were discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well near Xi’an in Shaanxi province. When archaeologists began excavating the area, they uncovered a subterranean vault containing fragments of thousands of terra cotta figures in three large pits. More than 1,000 life-size figures have been restored as part of the site’s ongoing excavation.

On Capitol Hill, the Folger Shakespeare Library will explore how trade and travel have shaped knowledge of Asia in a special exhibition, Imagining China: The View from Europe, 1550-1700. This exhibition displays the first book written in Chinese by a European, Matteo Ricci, founder of the Jesuit China mission, and other fascinating treasures.

Visitors can also check out China-themed exhibitions and events at locations like the Freer Gallery of Art and the National Gallery of Art, or discover some of China’s unique and endangered animals like giant pandas and snow leopards at the National Zoo’s Asia Trail. Explore DC’s Chinatown neighborhood and admire its colorful arch, a gift from sister city, Beijing.

Restaurants, including Mie N Yu and Ten Penh, are also getting into the spirit of the exhibition, featuring special menu items that incorporate the flavors and techniques of the Xi’an region.

Stay tuned for more information on cultural events and happenings at washington.org.

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About Destination DC: Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Washington.org/pressroom