Xian Terracotta Warriors Photo Tour

Discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well, Xian's Terracotta Warriors astounded the world with their artistry and sheer numbers. The terracotta army was constructed to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, the founding emperor of the Qin Dynasty, and the emperor who united China. The site of the Terracotta Warriors was turned into a museum. What makes the Terracotta warriors so amazing is that each one is life size and unique. Each face is different and clothing and hairstyles have individual characteristics. Each soldier was armed with a real bronze weapon. The charioteers had fully functional wooden chariots pulled by terracotta horses. Archers, spearmen, infantry, charioteers, and generals have been excavated. So far over 700 warriors, 100 chariots, and 400 horses have been excavated from the four pits. In 1987, this archeological treasure was added to UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List.

The main building of Xian's Terracotta Warrior museum

In Pit1 visitors can see restored soldiers as they once appeared

Warriors wait in formation as they have for centuries

Warriors in the restoration progress

Restored horses used to pull chariots

Chariots, horses, and charioteers as found

None of the warriors were intact when excavated

Visitors can see the restoration in progress

The warriors normally need to be reassembled from thousands of shards.

Guards in the official's headquarters

Each of the warriors faces are unique

Hairstyles, uniform accents and faces are unique

Restored warriors waiting to be placed back into their ranks

The 1/2 scale bronze chariots of the emperor

This is a miniature of the Emperor's personal Chariot

The bronze chariots are exact in detail and design

Recommended a 5 days xian history and temple tour

Continue to enjoy Drum and Bell Towers photo tour or Eight Immortals Temple photo tour