Where are the Terracotta Army Located?
The Terracotta Army is one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. Located in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi province, about 1.5 kilometers east of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, the site is still under excavation. It is a must-see attraction for any tourist visiting China.
The Discovery of the Terracotta Army
Qin Shi Huang, who later became the first emperor of China, started to build his mausoleum after he ascended the throne at the age of 13. It took 11 years to complete. It is speculated that many treasures and sacrificial objects accompanied the emperor to the afterlife.
In 1974, a group of farmers discovered some pottery fragments while digging a well near the royal tomb. This immediately caught the attention of archaeologists. They flocked to Xi'an to conduct research and expand the excavation. They confirmed beyond any doubt that the artifacts were related to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).
In 1975, the State Council approved the construction of a museum on the site. Once completed, people from far and wide came to visit it. The Museum of the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang has become a landmark destination on the itinerary of all tourists.
The Magnificent Terracotta Army
The life-size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the highlights of the museum. They replicate the awe-inspiring and majestic appearance of the Qin army during that era.
The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters and is divided into three pits: Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3. They are numbered according to the order of their discovery. Pit 1, the largest, was first opened to the public on October 1, 1979, which was China's National Day. It features columns of soldiers at the front and chariots at the back.
Pit 2, discovered in 1976, is located 20 meters northeast of Pit 1 and contains more than 1,000 pottery warriors and 90 chariots. It was opened to the public in 1994. Pit 3, discovered in 1976, is 25 meters northwest of Pit 1 and appears to be the command center of the army. It was opened to the public in 1989, and inside there are 68 pottery figures, one chariot, and four horses.
The Museum Today
Over 7,000 pottery figures, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from the three pits. Most of them have been restored to their former glory.
Since October 1, 2010, the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and the Museum of the Terracotta Army have been merged into a large tourist area, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Scenic Area, which also includes three other smaller museums opened in 2011. The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and the nearby three unopened museums (namely, the Museum of Terracotta Acrobatics, the Museum of Terracotta Civil Officials, and the Museum of Stone Armor) constitute the so-called Lishan Garden. Besides, since then, there are 30 free shuttle buses between Lishan Garden and the Museum of the Terracotta Army for the convenience of tourists.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Terracotta Army is a sensational archaeological discovery of all time. It has made Xi'an a tourist destination in the minds of travelers. In 1987, the Terracotta Army was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Transportation:
For the convenience of visitors, there are 30 shuttle buses running between the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and the Museum of the Terracotta Army. Tourists can take the buses free of charge with their admission tickets.
Opening Hours:
08:30-18:30
FAQs
1. When was the Terracotta Army discovered?
The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well.
2. How many pits are there in the Terracotta Army Museum?
There are three pits in the Terracotta Army Museum, each containing a different formation of soldiers and horses.
3. Why was the Terracotta Army built?
The Terracotta Army was built to protect the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, in the afterlife.