The Secret of the Terracotta Army Historic Site
When I was a child, I first encountered the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang. Back then, I was struck by its grandeur but knew little of its hidden history. Over time, my curiosity deepened, and I began to uncover its mysteries. This article will guide you through the secrets behind this ancient wonder.
Basic introduction
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses of the First Qin Emperor are one of the most famous structures in Chinese history and hold the reputation of being the "Eighth Wonder of the World." It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 and is a World Heritage Site.
The Terracotta Warriors were constructed during the Qin Dynasty (beginning around 246 BC) as part of the funerary objects in the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (Ying Zheng). Approximately 8,000 terracotta sculptures of warriors have been discovered, including generals, soldiers, horses, and mounted warriors, as well as a small number of officials and a diverse group of performers (such as actors and musicians)。
The Terracotta Warriors are so spectacular and lifelike that you can only empathize with them by being there.
historical accounts
According to historical records in Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian) by Sima Qian (c. 145–86 BCE), the construction of the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang mobilized over 700,000 laborers. The mausoleum complex was designed to replicate the imperial court, containing palaces, terracotta figures of officials, and precious artifacts intended to serve the emperor in the afterlife.
Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum
The Terracotta Warriors are only a part of the entire Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, covering only 20,000 square meters. The entire Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum covers an area of about 56 square kilometers (based on historical records, in order to protect the Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum from being destroyed, no further excavation has been actively carried out), including the core area and the outer area of the mausoleum.
Core Cemetery Area
Inner City (Mausoleum Core Zone): Extends 1,355 meters north-south; 580 meters east-west, covering approximately 0.785 square kilometers.
Outer City (Burial Complex): Measures 2,165 meters north-south; 940 meters east-west. It encompasses roughly 2.13 square kilometers.
Outer Burial Zone
This area includes hundreds of burial pits and tombs, such as the Terracotta Army Pit, the Acrobats Pit, the Stone Armor Pit, the Bronze Waterfowl Pit, and tombs of nobles and craftsmen. These archaeological features are distributed across a vast territory at the northern foot of Mount Li, spanning tens of square kilometers in total.
Underground Palace Sector
The subterranean palace (partially excavated) lies beneath the burial mound with dimensions of 170 meters east-west, 145 meters north-south, and a depth of approximately 30 meters. The current estimated area is 24,700 square meters. Its intricate internal structure and full scale remain subjects for ongoing archaeological investigation.
Introduction to Qin Shi Huang
Achievements： Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor in Chinese history to achieve great unification. He unified the six countries of "Han, Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan, and Qi" within 10 years, established the first centralized regime, and set the capital in Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China. Qin Shi Huang unified the currency and writing, and was later praised as the "Emperor of the Ages".
Controversy： Burning of books and burying of scholars: During the reign of Qin Shi Huang (213 BC–212 BC), in order to suppress the freedom of thought among the people, he burned unofficial history books and various classics, and buried about 460 alchemists and Confucian scholars.
Implemented policies： Qin Shi Huang implemented Legalist thought and imposed heavy penalties for minor crimes (such as the system of collective responsibility).
Time and Process of Discovery
In March 1974, villagers in Lintong County, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China, accidentally discovered the Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty when they were drilling a dry well. A villager, Yang Zhifa, dug out the first piece of pottery with a stiletto and subsequently found fragments of terracotta figurines.
On March 15, 1974, the construction was suspended, and the details were reported to the local cultural hall. Zhao Kangmin, the head of the cultural center, rushed to the site to investigate and felt that the terracotta figurines might be soldiers from the Qin Dynasty.
On March 16, 1974, Zhao Kangmin instructed the villagers to continue digging for fragments of the terracotta figurines and to collect them to bring back to the cultural center.
On July 15, 1974, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage organized an archaeological team to begin working at the site, officially beginning excavation.
In 1975, the state decided to establish a museum at the original site of the terracotta pit.
In 1979, the Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses was officially opened.
In 1987, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site and became a symbol of Chinese civilization.
Geographical location
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang are located in Lintong District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China, about 1.5 kilometers east of the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang. Geographical coordinates: 34°23'N, 109°16'E. It is about 37 kilometers from the center of Xi'an, and the drive takes about 1 hour.
Ticket price
The full-price ticket is 120 yuan/person, and it includes the Qin Shihuang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum (Pits 1, 2, and 3) and the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum Site Park.
Opening hours
Peak season: March 16–November 15, Beijing time 8:30 am–6:30 pm, no entry after 5:00 pm.
Off-season: November 16–March 15 of the following year, Beijing time 8:30 am–6:00 pm, no entry after 4:30 pm.
Ticket purchase channels
Official platform: The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum's official website or WeChat public account can be used to make reservations and purchase tickets. Reservations must be made one day in advance.
Third-party platform: Dahe Ticketing Network can be used to purchase tickets.
Terracotta Warriors TikTok Contact
Terracotta Warriors Online Map
Terracotta Warriors WeChat
Terracotta Warriors Weibo
Transportation
Tourist shuttle bus: Take bus No. 5/306 from the East Square of Xi'an Railway Station; the fare is 7 yuan, and the journey takes 1 hour to reach the Terracotta Warriors parking lot. Operating hours: 7:00 am–7:00 pm (Beijing time), with departures every 20 minutes.
Terracotta Warriors shuttle bus: Take the shuttle bus at the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area; the fare is 30 yuan (includes a tour guide's explanation), and reservations must be made in advance. Operating hours: 7:00 am–7:00 pm (Beijing time), with departures every 20 minutes.
Taxi: Take a taxi from central Xi'an; the cost is approximately 130 yuan, and the direct journey to the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang takes about 50 minutes.
Self-driving tour: Drive east along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway from downtown Xi'an and exit at the "Terracotta Warriors" interchange. Note: Parking fees apply (approximately 20 yuan).
This is the official website of Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum, You may be interested in: https://www.bmy.com.cn/.