The BEAMS’08 Companion Program is designed to give you an unforgettable experience of Chinese culture with four and a half days journey.

Take a Wonderful cultural journey through the ancient Land of China

Tuesday, July 8

Qianling Mausoleum is located on Liangshan Hill about 80 kilometers west of Xi'an. This well preserved mausoleum is the joint tomb of the the Tang dynasty Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian. Empress Wu's rise to power is particularly impressive given that she became an Empress in her own right in a society where authority of man is unchallengeable. Maybe she is the oldest "feminist". There are various historical relics here including stone engravings and exquisitely carved stone statues. Of all the arts, sculpture particularly blossomed during the Tang dynasty.

Famen Temple is a fascinating place. Saga talks about that that in 147 AD King Asoka of India traveled throughout Asia and built this Temple. A mysterious saint finger of Buddha is enshrined here. The site is still regarded as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists today.

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