Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses West Gate, Archaeological museum in Lintong District, China.
The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses contains thousands of clay figures arranged in three excavation pits, showing warriors, horses, and chariots positioned in military formations. The display reveals the vast underground mausoleum of an ancient Chinese emperor, with all its military personnel and equipment assembled as it was left centuries ago.
Farmers discovered the first clay figures in 1974 while digging a well, which led archaeologists to uncover an underground army created around 210 BCE for an emperor. Excavations at this site continued for many decades, revealing one of the world's most significant archaeological discoveries.
Each warrior figure shows distinct facial features, hairstyles, and armor details that represent different military ranks and the ethnic diversity of ancient Chinese forces. When you walk through the pits, you notice the care taken in sculpting each individual face and the variations in their expressions and clothing.
The museum offers free shuttle buses between exhibition halls and guided tours in several languages throughout the day. Wear comfortable shoes since you will spend considerable time standing and walking through the large pit areas.
The underground mausoleum was designed with mercury rivers and pearls to recreate the emperor's realm in the afterlife. These elaborate burial practices reveal how ancient elites imagined life after death.
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