"The Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, China" China by Odinnthor

China Travel Guide: 29,463 reviews and 82,887 photos

Photo of Pit 1, first excavated in 1978

The story boggles the mind......

If you have additional time before or after enjoying a Yangtze River Cruise, - consider going to Xian and witness the excavations of the Terra Cotta Army, dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC). I went there first when China was just opening up for the tourist trade and things were rather primitive in almost every way. I saw the first excavation only. Since then there have been two more excavations, and they are still uncovering more, - last excavation of Pit One was actually started this year, - 24 years after the second excavation.

The reason they stopped excavating was due to lack of proper tools and technology in order to protect the relics. They literally had to wait for technology to catch up. I know things have improved much with regards to access to the Terra Cotta soldiers, and it is a fascinating display, and there is incredibly rich history in the region. There are over 6000 soldiers and horses, in battle formations, just in Pit One. They also found four horse chariots with a riders, all somewhat larger than life. The figures are eerily life like and no two faces are the same, with many different facial expressions, that were meant to show a different frame of mind. In addition, they have uncovered some bronze figures mainly of chariots and horses. Fascinating stuff!

City of Xian - add to a Yangtze Cruise

The Bell Tower in Xian City Centre

Xian itself is a city full of wonders as well, such as the Mausoleum of Emperor Quin Shi Huang, and the Bell Tower at the city center and the old City Wall. This can all be done with a Yangtze River Cruise, and would certainly make a great second visit to China. There are a number of hotels of all in all categories available in Xian. This location is absolutely a huge favorite of mine, in the amazing country called China.....enjoy.

Intro Written Sep 15, 2009
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Comments (7)

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tropicrd Dec 28, 2011 at 10:04 PM

I would love to see the chariots with the riders in Xian,Iso full of history.
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gilabrand Apr 10, 2011 at 11:14 PM

Sounds like it's time for a visit. I'll be hosting some Chinese students next week. I wonder if they see these things, or only tourists.
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roamer61 Feb 17, 2011 at 3:32 PM

Hey Erik. Looks like I'll be going to China in October for by bday. Since will be my first time, the triangle of Beijing, Shanghai and Xian is on the agenda.
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DAO Dec 18, 2010 at 4:20 PM

Happy Christmas and New Year to you too. I hope you do not get any dreaded 'combo' gifts.
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alza Nov 17, 2010 at 7:14 PM

Didn't know you'd seen China! I lived in beautiful Yunnan & focussed on it but so wanted to go back & see more! Moved on now, but still... Think I became a traveller there, exactly! :) Was Euro-centric before but it "prepared" me. :) All travel is good.
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lindyz Dec 17, 2009 at 12:15 AM

I have that same photo Eric! Did you visit anywhere else in China or just Xian? China was awesome, I loved every second of the 3 weeks I spent there :)
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icunme Oct 26, 2009 at 1:53 PM

This is fascinating - that pit is surreal. If ever I were to visit here, I would hope to be on one of your tours. ciao, Carol