Xi'an's Terracota Army: Protector of the First Emperor

The first Qin emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, has not only unified China during his rule from 221-207 BC. He also left behind a treasure, which can aptly be considered as another wonder of the world.  He built a mausoleum for himself- and thousands of life-size terracotta army, horses and chariots.  These terracotta army, arranged in battle formation near the Emperor's tomb, is believed to protect the Emperor in the life after.  Emperor Qin died in 209 BC and was buried with his terracotta army. They remained buried for 2,200 years, until the accidental discovery of the terracotta army in 1974, by some farmers digging a well. The mausoleum of Emperor Qin remained buried and not excavated to this day. 

Since it was opened to public in 1979, the Terracotta Army has attracted millions of visitors per year.  It is considered as one of the must-see in China, along with the Great Wall.  And I was not going to miss it for anything!

Our colleague has arranged for the taxi driver to take me and my colleague Shanta from Xi'an airport to the Terracotta Army museum, upon our arrival from YuLin. It's an hour drive from the airport.  We first had lunch then met with the tour guide which the driver has arranged for us. The tour guide showed us where to buy the admission tickets, we queued, bought our tickets,  and started with the tour. It was a bit of a walk through a nice garden, from the gate to the exhibitions.  

Ticket booths

Everybody off to see the tarracotta army

And here we go.....

The mausoleum and the terracotta army museum is in a 20 square mile compound. There are 3 exhibitions, showcasing the 3 pits of terracotta warriors.  We entered the biggest building, the 1st exhibition. It is where 6,000 terracotta solders were found. The tour guide shared that the figures used to have colors when they were first unearthed.  However due to exposure to air and light, the colors faded.  

The life-size terracotta soldiers (archers, cavalry, infantry and officers) are arranged  in battle formation along with chariots and horses. There were also 40,000 bronze weapons (spears, axes, crossbows and arrowheads) found in the pits.

Looking closely, each of the members of the army has distinct facial features and facial expression, height, and hair style.  Our guide shared that the artists then, copied the features of the of the Emperor's favorites among his soldiers.  

Our guide also shared that a number of laborers and artists, who helped in the construction of the tomb and of the terracotta warriors, were killed in order to preserve its secrecy.  

The 2nd pit or the 2nd exhibition has cavalry and infantry units.

The 3rd pit contains high ranking officers and chariots.

We headed to the souvenir shop. Our guide pointed to a man signing souvenir books by the entrance of the store.  He's one of the farmers who accidentally discovered the terracotta soldiers.  

I bought myself a replica of the kneeling archer, made from the terracotta soil.

The sales person said the kneeling archer is a symbol of luck.  I hope the kneeling archer will indeed bring me lots of luck, so that I will be able to see all of the world's wonders.