Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century: a buried army of thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots, arrayed in battle formation to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China, who died in 210 BC. Each warrior is individually modelled, with distinct faces, hairstyles, and ranks, in an astonishing feat of mass production and artistry.

Discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near Xi'an, the figures were once brightly painted and equipped with real bronze weapons. They form just one part of a colossal necropolis surrounding the emperor's still-unexcavated tomb mound. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most visited attractions.

Spring and autumn are most comfortable; summers are hot and the site is very crowded during Chinese national holidays. Arrive early to see Pit 1 before the largest tour groups.

Qin Shi Huang, who unified the warring states of China and standardized its writing, currency, and measures, ordered the construction of an immense mausoleum guarded by a terracotta army to protect him in the afterlife. Hundreds of thousands of labourers are said to have worked on the necropolis over decades. The warriors were arranged in pits in military formation, complete with archers, infantry, cavalry, and command figures.

Buried and forgotten for over two millennia, the army was rediscovered by chance in 1974. Excavation revealed three main pits containing an estimated 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, and 670 horses, along with officials, acrobats, and bronze waterfowl in other pits. The emperor's central tomb mound remains unexcavated, partly out of respect and partly because of the technical challenge and reputed hazards (ancient texts describe rivers of mercury).

The site is about 40 km east of Xi'an in Shaanxi province, easily reached by tour bus, public bus, or taxi from the city. Three excavation pits are enclosed in large hangar-like halls, with Pit 1 the largest and most impressive; an on-site museum displays the bronze chariots.

The Terracotta Army is a symbol of the power and ambition of imperial China and a priceless record of Qin-era military organization, craftsmanship, and belief in the afterlife. The individuality of the faces — no two are exactly alike — and the traces of original paint continue to yield insights into ancient Chinese art and technology.

Visit the pits in order 2, 3, then finish with the grand Pit 1 for the best build-up. A guide greatly enriches the experience. Combine with Xi'an's ancient city walls and Muslim Quarter.