Terracotta Army Discovery & Mausoleum Experience
In 1974, farmers near Lintong (Xi’an) unearthed broken pottery and soon discovered one of the 20th century’s greatest archaeological treasures: over 8,000 life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots buried to guard China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (221–210 BCE). Commissioned at just 13 years old, Qin Shi Huang unified China, standardized its script and measurements, and began building the Great Wall. His vast necropolis still only partially excavated reflects both his grand vision and the brutality of his reign.
You’ll start with a short 360° film depicting Qin-era battles and court ceremonies, then walk around the edges of the main excavation pit. Admire each warrior’s uniquely detailed armor, hairstyle and expression, and learn how bronze weapons and faded pigments once brought them to life. Two additional pits reveal more infantry and chariot formations, while the Emperor’s unexcavated tomb mound looms quietly nearby. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Terracotta Army remains an unforgettable highlight of our China Tours.
