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- Destinations
- Asia
- China
- Xi'an
- Qin Terracotta Army Museum
Qin Terracotta Army Museum
A group of peasants digging a well north of Mount Lishan in
Lintong county, about 18 miles (30km) from Xi'an, in 1974 unearthed
fragments of a life-sized warrior figure. Because the site of the
discovery was just one mile (2km) from the as yet unexcavated tomb
of Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, who ruled between 246 and 210
BC, archaeologists grew excited. Further excavation revealed
several timber-lined vaults filled with thousands of greatly
detailed terracotta soldiers and their horses and chariots: an
entire army assembled in position to follow Emperor Qin into
eternity. The pits containing the army are now open to public
viewing and thousands of visitors flock to gaze at the stunning
array of figures with their vivid facial expressions.
The Terracotta Army Museum consists of the original pit that was
discovered in 1974, which has been enclosed within a hangar-like
building to preserve the ranks of 6,000 soldiers found there. A
second pit, containing 1,400 figures of cavalrymen, horses and
infantrymen, and 90 wooden chariots, is also part of the museum.
Visitors can also see Qin's Mausoleum and view almost 100
sacrificial pits containing the skeletons of horses, complete with
hay, that were buried with him as well as about 20 tombs holding
the remains of his counsellors and retainers. The emperor's tomb
itself is under a 249 feet (76m) high mound that has not yet been
excavated, but is believed, according to historical records, to
have contained rare gems and other treasures.
Information & Facts
Admission
Language
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are
hundreds of local dialects.
Money
The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY). The Yuan
is divided into 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange
your leftover Yuan before returning home because this currency can
be exchanged only within China's borders. Travellers cheques,
preferably in US Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in
cities at the Bank of China. Banks are closed weekends. The larger
hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners
will accept most western currencies for purchases. Major credit
cards are accepted in the main cities at various establishments,
but outside the major cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are scarce
outside the main cities.
Opening Times
Time