About this place

In 1974, peasants digging a well first uncovered part of the over 2000 year-old great underground army of the first emperor of a unified China. 1000s of life-size terra-cotta warriors with unique faces along with weapons, horses and chariots were meant to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang (秦始皇, Qín Shǐhuáng) into the afterlife.
 
In 1979 The Museum of Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang was opened. In 1987, it was listed as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. Excavation has continued for over 20 years.
 
Now, the Terra-Cotta Warriors (兵马俑, Bingmayong) is undoubtedly the number 1 tourist attraction in Xi’an and one of the top historical attractions in China. The site consists of 3 pits, simply named “pit 1”, “pit 2” and “pit 3”.
 
Pit 1 is the largest and most impressive of the three. Up until now, about 2000 pottery warriors and horses have been unearthed and it is expected that up to 6000 warriors and 50 chariots were buried. Pit 2 contains chariots, soldiers and archers. Pit 3 is considered the “headquarters” of the underground army.  It contains over 60 warriors, 4 horses and a chariot.
 
The level of detail applied to the warriors is most impressive. Each warrior has a unique face. Many of the warriors held real weapons. Metal weapons were treated to resist corrosion so some of them were still sharp when they were unearthed.
 
Visitors are allowed to take photos within the vaults.
 
English speaking tour guides are available for 100 yuan or less.
 

 
How to Get There:
 
Terra-Cotta Warriors is located to the east of Xi’an in Lingtong County. A visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors is usually combined with a visit to some of the following sites: Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, Qin Shi Huang’s Palace, Banpo Neolithic Village and Huaqing Pool.
 
Public Bus number 306, which is also called bus number 游5 (you 5, travel 5), travels from the train station, along the east route to it’s terminus at The Museum of Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang. Along the way it also stops at Huaqing Pool, Lingtong Museum, Qin Shi Huang’s Palace and the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang.