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Guards of the afterlife: Fascinating World of China’s Terracotta Warriors at Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum

By Théophile Niyitegeka
On 26 June 2024 at 11:03

China’s rich and storied civilization has long captivated the world, and one of its most treasured legacies is the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum. This remarkable site, located in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, is home to the iconic Terracotta Warriors, a symbol of China’s profound historical and cultural heritage.

Xi’an, a city with over 3,100 years of history, served as the capital for 13 dynasties. The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors in 1974 was a remarkable archaeological find, unveiling a vast underground army that has captivated the world ever since.

The Mausoleum Site Museum, a UNESCO-protected masterpiece, is one of China’s top attractions. This large-scale underground military museum, showcasing the buried army replica of Emperor Qin Shihuang, is recognized as one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century.

Representing the Qin Dynasty’s military power, these thousands of life-size figures are impressive by their size, number, and detailed craftsmanship. Today, over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses can be seen at the site.

As one of China’s most famous attractions, alongside the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army scenic spot attracts thousands of people from around the world with estimated daily visitors reaching 10,000.

The site, discovered in 1974 by a farmer digging a well, has been ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 for its marvel and need for preservation for future generations.

The Terracotta Army’s history began in 246 BC when Emperor Qin Shi Huang, at age 13, ascended to the throne. Known for unifying China, large-scale constructions including the Great Wall and more than 700 palaces around and outside central Shaanxi Province, Qin Shihuang ordered the construction of the Terracotta Army and Horses to protect him in the afterlife.

Sources indicate that the site was under construction for 38 years, requiring around 700,000 workers. The buried treasures and sacrificial objects accompanying the Emperor in his afterlife have provided significant insights for today’s archaeologists.

The Mausoleum Site Museum covers an area of 16,300 m2 with three main pits filled with more than 8,000 terracotta warriors and horses and over 40,000 bronze weapons. Pit No.1, the largest and first discovered, showcases 6,000 terracotta warriors and 35 horse-drawn chariots. Pit No.2, discovered in 1976, contains over 1,300 warriors and 90 chariots. Pit No.3, the smallest, resembles the command headquarters of the armed forces. These pits, along with accessory pits, form the core of the museum.

Upon close inspection, one will notice that every three yards, a puddle wall divides the underground army into distinct columns.

To safeguard the site, a spacious arched hall has been constructed above the pit, ensuring excellent ventilation and natural light for its preservation.

Recently, the museum has embraced modern technology to enhance visitor accessibility. An online ticket platform now allows overseas tourists from 39 countries to make reservations using their local currencies, supporting 24 languages and 29 different currencies.

With its rich history, immense scale, and continuous discoveries, the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum remains a testament to China’s enduring legacy and a beacon of its cultural heritage. The Terracotta Warriors stand as a silent yet powerful reminder of the ancient civilization that continues to fascinate and inspire people around the world.

Representing the Qin Dynasty's military power, these thousands of life-size figures are impressive by their size, number, and detailed craftsmanship.
Upon close inspection, one will notice that every three yards, a puddle wall divides the underground army into distinct columns.
The standing Archer seen at the museum’s exhibition hall is one kind of infantryman dressed in an unarmored battle robe. It was unearthed from the exterior of the archer formation in Pit 2. The pose of both hands shows that this figure was ready to shoot. Altogether 172 standing archers were found in this pit.
This photo shows the statue of the High-ranking Officer. This is one of seven ’generals’ found in the terra-cotta pits. The height, clothing and headgear of this officer all indicate his high rank. He wears double-layered robes under a colorful fish-scaled armor, and a high headgear tied with ribbons under the chin. His shoes have square opening and upward-bending tips. There are eight knots made of ribbons to decorate the armor, three knots on the front plate, three on the back and one knot each on the shoulder.
Kneeling Archer is one kind of armored infantryman. The figure was unearthed from the center of the archer formation, which is located northeast of Pit 2. The pose of both hands evidences that this figure held one crossbow originally. Altogether 160 kneeling archers were found in Pit 2.
This place is dedicated for restoration of damaged terracotta warrior figures.
Security is guaranteed at the site for visitors' enriched experience.
The site was discovered in 1974 by a farmer digging a well.
Over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses can be seen at the site.
The Terracotta Army scenic spot attracts thousands of people from around the world with estimated daily visitors reaching 10,000.
The Mausoleum Site Museum, a UNESCO-protected masterpiece, is one of China's top attractions.
Qin Shihuang ordered the construction of the Terracotta Army and Horses to protect him in the afterlife.

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