Terracotta Army in Xi'an
Synopsis
The Terracotta Army of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is a UNESCO World Heritage site, hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The Terracotta Army Museum, located in Lintong District, Xi’an, is an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese military culture and sculptural art.
Overview
The Terracotta Army of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is located in Lintong District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China. It is a collection of burial pits associated with the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. It was accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974 and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
The Terracotta Army is hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The three pits excavated so far have yielded approximately 8,000 terracotta figures (soldiers and horses) and over 140 wooden chariots.
The Three Pits
| Pit | Area | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pit 1 | 14,260 m² | Largest, infantry formation, about 6,000 figures |
| Pit 2 | 6,000 m² | Most complex, mixed formation of cavalry, archers, and charioteers |
| Pit 3 | 520 m² | Smallest, command post, high-ranking officer figures unearthed |
Historical Background
After unifying the six warring states, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC) ordered the construction of his mausoleum. The Terracotta Army, serving as a funerary guard, showcases the formidable military power and exquisite sculptural artistry of the Qin Dynasty.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Construction Period | 246 BC - 208 BC |
| Discovery Time | 1974 |
| World Heritage Inscription | 1987 |
| Total Area | Approx. 56 km² |
| Excavated Pits | 3 |
| Total Terracotta Figures | Approx. 8,000 |
Visitor Guide
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Peak Season Ticket | 120 RMB (Mar-Nov) |
| Off-Season Ticket | 60 RMB (Dec-Feb) |
| Opening Hours (Peak) | 8:30-18:00 |
| Opening Hours (Off-Season) | 9:00-17:30 |
| Suggested Visit Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Transportation | Bus No. 306 from downtown Xi'an |
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Huaqing Pool | 2 km | Tang Dynasty imperial hot springs |
| Mount Li | 3 km | Natural scenery, beacon tower |
| Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang | 1.5 km | Unexcavated imperial tomb |
Cultural Value
Each terracotta figure has a unique facial expression, demonstrating the extraordinary skill of Qin Dynasty artisans. These figures are not merely a military formation but also represent the pinnacle of early Chinese realistic sculpture.
References
- Wikipedia: Terracotta Army
- Baidu Baike: Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang
- UNESCO: World Heritage
Comments (0)