Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

The Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang the First Emperor of China. The Terracotta Army was discovered in eastern outer suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province in 1974 by local farmers drilling a water well.

The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. Work at this site is ongoing. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is the most sensational archaeological find of all times. It has put Xian on the map for tourists. It was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages.

Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had begun to work for his mausoleum. Construction began in 246BC and is believed to have taken 700,000workers and craftsmen 38years to complete. Qin Shi Huangdi was interred inside the tomb complex upon his death in 210BC

The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized. They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. The coloured lacquer finish, moulded faces [each is individual] and real weapons and armour used in manufacturing these figures created a realistic appearance. The weapons were stolen shortly after the creation of the army and the colouring has mostly faded

There is evidence of a large fire that burned the wooden structures once housing the Terracotta Army. The fire was the consequences of General Xiang Yu, who raided the tomb less than five years after the death of the First Emperor. Despite the fire, however, much of the remains of the Terracotta Army still survive in various stages of preservation, surrounded by remnants of the burnt wooden structures.

The State Council authorized the building of a museum on the site in 1975. Xian and the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses have become landmarks on all travellers' itinerary. Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard should look like in those days of pomp and vigour.

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