The Terracotta Army Museum, also known as the Terracotta Warriors or Qin Terracotta Army, is located near the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and together with the mausoleum, forms the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum. The Terracotta Army is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, and for good reason. The thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, each unique in appearance, have made the site a crown jewel in the history of ancient Chinese sculpture and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Historical Background

The construction of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum began when Qin Shi Huang ascended to the throne at the age of 13. Over the course of nearly 38 years, a staggering 720,000 workers labored on the project. However, the mausoleum was not completed before Qin Shi Huang’s death, and his son, Qin Er Shi, took over the project, completing it a year later.

Legend has it that Qin Shi Huang, in his quest for immortality, spared no expense to build a grand underground palace, and the Terracotta Army was constructed to serve as the guardians of this grand tomb. The creation of the terracotta warriors is a remarkable example of burial practices where human figures were replaced by life-like statues.

The grandeur of the Terracotta Army can be attributed not only to the artisans’ skill but also to the will of the emperor. The warriors were made with such precision that each one is considered an individual representation of the soldiers, offering a glimpse into ancient military life.

Discovery and Excavation

In March 1974, while digging a well in Xiyang Village, Lintong County, farmers stumbled upon fragments of terracotta statues. After more than a year of archaeological excavation, this site was confirmed to be a large burial pit for the Terracotta Army, later dubbed Pit 1, which is one of the world’s most famous archaeological finds.

By April and May 1976, two more pits—Pit 2 and Pit 3—were discovered on either side of the first. Each pit contained around 2,000 additional statues, with different types of soldiers such as charioteers, cavalry, and infantry, each arranged systematically to form a military formation. Pit 3 is believed by some scholars to be the command center for the soldiers in Pits 1 and 2, a concept referred to as an “army camp” in ancient times.

The Terracotta Army Museum was officially opened to the public in 1979, showcasing the three main pits, along with the Bronze Chariot Hall and temporary exhibitions.

Exhibits and Attractions

Visitors to the museum can explore the three Terracotta Pits, the Bronze Chariot Exhibit, and various other displays featuring artifacts unearthed from the site. The warriors are categorized by their attire, expressions, and hairstyles, representing different ranks and types of soldiers. Though originally painted, the vibrant colors of the statues have faded over time due to the effects of fire and water.

Pit 1
Pit 1, the largest and most impressive of the three, was the first to be discovered. Measuring about 230 meters in length and 62 meters in width, it is believed to house around 6,000 statues, including soldiers, horses, and weapons. The display in this pit is awe-inspiring, with rows of soldiers standing in formation, and each warrior has a unique face, hairstyle, and expression. The craftsmanship is meticulous, from the intricate details of their armor to the subtle variations in their facial features.

Pits 2 and 3
Located beside Pit 1, these two pits contain approximately 2,000 more figures, including infantrymen, cavalry, and charioteers. While not as overwhelming as Pit 1, the soldiers in these pits are equally impressive, and the arrangement of the warriors offers insight into the military organization of ancient China. Though less visually striking, these pits play a vital role in understanding the Terracotta Army as a whole.

The bronze weapons found alongside the terracotta soldiers include swords, halberds, spears, and crossbows, many of which remain remarkably sharp after over two millennia. These discoveries show the advanced metallurgical techniques of the Qin Dynasty.

Visitor Information

The museum is a popular destination, with large crowds visiting year-round. To avoid peak times, it’s recommended to start your visit at Pit 3, and then proceed to the other pits. After touring the pits, visitors can take a shuttle bus to the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum for further exploration.

Opening Hours

• March 16 to November 15: 08:30 AM – 06:30 PM
• November 16 to January 28: 08:30 AM – 06:00 PM
• February 4 to March 15: 08:30 AM – 06:00 PM
• January 29 to February 3: 07:30 AM – 07:00 PM

Discount Policies

• Children: Free entry for children under 16 (Chinese citizens) or non-Chinese children under 1.4 meters tall (advance online booking required).
• Seniors: Free entry for those aged 65 and above (Chinese citizens, advance online booking required).
• Disabled Visitors: Free entry with valid ID and disability certificate (advance online booking required).
• Active Military Personnel: Free entry with valid ID (advance online booking required).
• Firefighters: Free entry for current and retired firefighters (advance online booking required).
• Academicians: Free entry for academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (advance online booking required).
• Military Families: Free entry for spouses and children of active military personnel, as well as the families of martyrs (advance online booking required).
• Students: Half-price tickets for full-time students (advance online booking required).
• Police Officers: Free entry for police officers with valid ID (advance online booking required).

Services and Facilities

• Parking: Terracotta Army Parking Lot, ¥20 per entry, with 500 spaces.
• Mobile Charging: Available at the Visitor Service Center.
• Luggage Storage: Consult with on-site staff for pricing.
• Guided Tours: Available through the Visitor Service Center, with options for Chinese, English, and Japanese language tours. Expert guides are also available by reservation.
• Wheelchair Rental: Free, available at the Visitor Service Center.
• Restrooms: Located throughout the museum, with five in the main museum and five in Lishan Park.
• Smoking Areas: Designated smoking areas are available throughout the park.
• ATM: Located at the Visitor Service Center near the entrance.
• Dining: Self-service meals are available in the museum area.
• Convenience Stores: Located at both the entrance and within the museum grounds.

A visit to the Terracotta Army Museum offers an unforgettable glimpse into China’s rich history and ancient military culture. The terracotta warriors continue to awe and inspire visitors from around the world, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.