Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
China ·
Description
Discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974, the Terracotta Army is a single component of the enormous necropolis Qin Shi Huang began building at age 13. Each of the 8,000 clay soldiers has unique facial features and was once painted in bright colors. The central burial mound itself remains unexcavated, reputedly containing rivers of mercury and booby-trapped crossbows described by ancient historian Sima Qian.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
UNESCO recognized the mausoleum as an outstanding masterpiece of realistic sculpture and a unique testimony to the civilization and organization of the Qin Dynasty that unified China.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Around 8,000 soldiers plus 670 horses and 130 chariots have been identified in three main pits.
Yes, but the central tomb has never been opened due to mercury contamination and preservation concerns.
You view them from walkways around Pit 1. Pits 2 and 3 are smaller but allow different perspectives.
Bullet train from Xi’an to Lintong takes 35 minutes, then taxi or local bus.
Arrive at opening time; by mid-morning tour buses fill the site and queues grow long.