Los Angeles, Calif. (December 15, 2008) - Viking River Cruises, the world's leading river cruise line, is supporting the efforts of Atlanta's High Museum of Art to bring an extraordinary display of Chinese terracotta warriors and related artifacts to Atlanta. The exhibit—which recently ended a popular 7 month run at the British Museum followed by a record-breaking 5 month run at the Bowers Museum in California—opened to the public in November. It will remain at the High for more than 5 months before moving on to Houston's Museum of Natural Science, then continuing to the National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall in Washington D.C.
"The First Emperor" was inspired by one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Featuring more than 100 works, including 15 terracotta figures, the exhibition—which was covered in detail by the December 10 Wall Street Journal and rated #4 in Time magazine's Top 10 Museum Exhibits of 2008-is one of the largest groups of works relating to the First Emperor ever loaned to the U.S. by the Museum of the Terracotta Army and the Cultural Relics Bureau of Shaanxi Province in Xian, China. With rarely seen and recently discovered objects from his mausoleum complex, the exhibition will provide insight into the legacy of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who reigned over a united China from 221 to 210 B.C.
"We have been taking travelers to see the Terracotta Army in Xian, as well as other key attractions in China, for the past five years," said Torstein Hagen, founding chairman of Viking. "Our guests always tell us that seeing the Terracotta Warriors is one of the highlights of their China experience. We are thrilled to be helping Americans see some of China's treasures that they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to see."
"This is a fascinating look into the history of one of the world's oldest and richest cultures, as well as one of the world's greatest discoveries—the First Emperor's terracotta army," said Michael E. Shapiro, the High's Nancy and Holcombe T. Green, Jr. Director. "Visitors will see these warriors up close and appreciate their magnificence within the context of China's history."
The Terracotta Army was created for Qin Shi Huang, first Emperor of China, who unified the Chinese states into a single country, worked to standardize the Chinese language, created a national road system and began construction on China's Great Wall. During his 38-year reign, he arranged for thousands of workers to construct an elaborate mausoleum for him, complete with an army to allow him to rule in the afterlife. After his death he was interred with his clay army and a vast collection of riches; eventually his tomb was forgotten. Then, in 1974, local farmers digging a well came upon a terracotta head, thus discovering a nearly 2,200-year-old archeological treasure.
Viking River Cruises, founded in 1997, began offering "cruisetours" in China in 2004. Each of these journeys includes a trip to Xian to see the mausoleum. Travelers enter a large hangar erected over the archeological site and view the terracotta infantrymen, archers and horses from a series of catwalks, thus enjoying the large scale of the site as well as the opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and individualized detail applied to each of the faces.
"For those who have not yet come to China to view the Terracotta Army, the High exhibit will provide an idea of its incredible workmanship," Hagen continued. "If the exhibit inspires viewers to come to China, we hope they consider doing so with Viking."
Viking River Cruises offers three different China itineraries for 2009; each includes visits to Beijing and Shanghai and a deluxe Yangtze River Cruise through the scenic Three Gorges Area in addition to a stay in Xian to visit the Terra Cotta Army. The 12-day Imperial Jewels of China covers the highlights mentioned; the 16-day China's Cultural Delights includes extra destinations on the Yangtze River; and the 16-day Roof of the World includes three days in Lhasa, Tibet.
For more information on Viking River Cruises, visit www.vikingrivercruises.com
About Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises, the world's largest river cruise company, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along the majestic rivers of Europe, Russia and China. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" and Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises in 2006 and 2007 as "Best Riverboat Cruise Line" by Travel Weekly, "Best River Cruise Line" by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, and in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as "Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising" by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 21 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546 (1-877-66VIKING) toll-free or visit the company online at www.vikingrivercruises.com.