Terracotta Army
The Eternal Army
The Terracotta Army, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since1987, its one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. This unique historic site, began to be constructed around 246 BCE and was concluded at 208 BC, taking 38 years and more than 700.000 conscripted workers. This megalonomic project was commissioned during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BCE), the founder of the Qin Dynasty and the first ruler to unify China under a central government.
Intended to serve as a guardian force for Emperor Qin Shi Huang during his afterlife, the Terracotta Army was commended due to his belief that, just like he needed a powerful army to unify and maintain his domain over China, then he would also require to have a army to protect him and ensure his continued rule in the afterlife.
The Terracotta Army reflects the emperor’s desire for immortality but also his ambition by comissioning a tomb complex covering 56 square kilometers (21.5 square miles), which is only a part of a larger necropolis designed to mirror his imperial capital, symbolizing his control over the universe even in death.
Photo by Robert Stokoe
Composition of the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army consists of an estimated 8,000 figures, along with horses, chariots, archers, and cavalry. Aside from the warriors, archaeologists have also found non-military figures in the emperor’s tomb complex, including acrobats, musicians, and civil officials, suggesting that Emperor Qin Shi Huang planned for a well-rounded afterlife with entertainment and governance structures in place.
Each of the figures are highly detailed, with varying hairstyles, uniforms, facial expressions, and armor depending on rank. They reflect the hierarchical structure of a real army, with generals, infantry, cavalry, and charioteers all represented. Each figure face is unique, thought to be based on real individuals, though many scholars suggest they were made with a combination of molds and hand sculpting.
Terracotta is a brownish-red earthenware, or clay, that has long been used for building a large variety of things. The Terracotta word comes from the Latin “terra cocta”, meaning “cooked earth”, an defined as a hard, fired clay, brownish-red in color when unglazed, that is used for architectural ornaments and facings, structural units, pottery, and as a material for sculpture.
Its origins are traditionally traced back to China, Greece, and Egypt (10000 to 7000 BCE), being widely used in houses building and pottery.
Interesting facts
The Missing Colors
Originally, the Terracotta Warriors were not the grayish-brown figures seen today. They were vividly painted in bright colors such as red, green, blue, and purple. However, after being unearthed, most of the paint peeled off within minutes due to exposure to air and humidity. Recent efforts in archaeology are attempting to preserve and restore the warriors’ original colors using new preservation techniques.
The Unexcavated Tomb of Qin Shi Huang
Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb itself has yet to be fully excavated. It is said to contain rivers of mercury, simulating the rivers of China, along with vast treasures and intricate traps to protect the tomb from grave robbers. According to ancient texts like Sima Qian’s "Records of the Grand Historian", the tomb is an elaborate underground palace, but due to technological limitations and the fear of damaging its contents, archaeologists have been hesitant to open it.
Craftsmanship and Assembly
The figures were mass-produced in workshops, likely by specialized artisans who created parts separately before assembling the soldiers. The heads, torsos, arms, and legs were made separately and then assembled, which allowed for variation in the figures despite the use of molds. This combination of mass production and individual detailing was highly innovative for its time.
Ongoing Excavations
Even today, excavations at the site continue. New discoveries are made periodically, including additional pits and artifacts that shed light on the construction process and the lives of the artisans who worked on the project.
Terracotta Army Tours
How to Get There
China has an impressive railways network so trains are usually the fastest and most convenient means of transportation. They are affordable and easy to use and can be booked in advance with Trip.com. Booking at least a few days in advance is advisable as they tend to get full, particularly on weekends and around the holiday period.
By Public Transportation
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is one of China’s busiest airports, with flights from major cities like Beijing or Chengdu, as well as international destinations. The airport is about 40 km from the city center, and you can reach downtown by airport shuttle bus (1 hour, around 25 RMB), taxi (40–60 minutes, 100–150 RMB), or metro (Line 14 to Line 2).
Xi’an North Railway Station is also a main hub for high-speed trains which connect Xian to all major cities nearby:
From Beijing
High-speed trains to Xian depart from Beijing West Railway Station and take 4 to 6 hours. The ticket prices start at ¥516 for second class, and can ascend to ¥1,628 for business class.
From Chengdu
Trains from Chengdu East Railway Station to Xi’an North Railway Station take 3 to 4.5 hours. A second-class seat costs as little as ¥263, making it one of the fastest and most affordable routes to reach Xian.
From Chongqing
High-speed trains from Chongqing North Railway Station take 5 to 6 hours. Prices start at ¥280 for second class while business class cost about ¥845.
Once in Xi’an North Railway Station, you can us take the metro to reach Xi’an Railway Station East Square where you can catch the Tourist Bus Line 5 (Bus 306) to the Terracota Army. The bus takes about 70 minutes and cost ¥7.
For a fastest and easier alternative you can get a taxi or use the rise-hailing app Didi to get there. Expect to pay something between ¥100 to ¥130 and, depending on traffic, would take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
By Organized Tour
For a seamless and stress-free experience, consider a guided tour that includes transportation from and to the train station. Below are some suggestions or top rated tours featuring Daya Pagoda:
Where to Stay
Xi’an has a wide range of high-quality hotels to suit different needs and budgets. You can find luxury hotels with excellent amenities, comfortable mid-range options, and affordable choices for budget-conscious travelers. Many of these hotels are conveniently located near popular attractions like the Terracotta Army and City Wall, making it easy to explore the city. Whether you’re looking for modern facilities or traditional Chinese hospitality, Xi’an’s hotels provide comfortable and reliable accommodation for visitors.
Top Hotel Recommendation in Xi’an
Travel Tips to Terracotta Army
The tickets should be bought with several weeks before visiting Xi’an since it’s one of the most important sites in all of China, so you can expect a very crowded visit.
Try most as possible to avoid the Chinese holidays dates to avoid a very difficult experience there.
Expect long queues to take pictures inside the complex.
Travelook App
For additional itineraries on China and beyond download the Travelook app!
Use Travelook functionalities to prepare your next trip:
- Get AI generated recommendations
- Use Maps to discover places to visit, restaurants, cafes, things to do and much more!
- Book flights, tours and attractions tickets in one place
- Invite your friends to collaborate on your travel plan
- Follow other travel entusiasts for ideias and tips
Don’t forget to follows us!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to provide valuable content and recommendations for our readers. Thank you for your support!