The Chinese Terracotta Army

A trip to China is not complete without a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Army in Lintong. See for yourself what awaits you at this exciting and historically significant excavation site.

In the central Chinese province of Shaanxi, farmers made an incredible discovery in 1974: while digging a well, they found the first fragments of the legendary Chinese Terracotta Army. After some field trials and drilling, it became clear: on the fields of Lintong lies one of the most significant excavation sites in the world. But what is the story behind the thousands of clay warriors, and where can you view them today?

Long before the sensational discovery, it was clear that the clay warriors and their battle horses had existed at some time. Various records from the early imperial period confirmed the creation of the legendary army, but the find during the well construction in Lintong was indeed a fortunate accident.

After this astonishing find, the first excavations and painstaking uncoverings of the figures began in 1974, about 36 kilometers northeast of Xi'an, but to this day, only about a quarter of the site has been uncovered. Since 1987, the approximately 8,000-strong Terracotta Army has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors from all over the world. They have the chance to visit the different figures, horses, and weapons in the museum and see the impressive army up close.

The vast army was commissioned in 221 BC by the mere 13-year-old Qin Shi Huang Di, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. He is considered one of the most successful and fearless fighters of the time.

He is said to have united seven rival kingdoms into a great empire, thus giving Chinese history a completely new direction. His legacy? One of the largest mausoleums in the world, consisting of an enormous burial mound, a massive burial complex, and of course, the impressive Terracotta Army. Thousands of infantrymen, archers, cavalry, and generals have guarded the emperor's tomb for millennia, making the site one of the most fascinating objects for archaeologists worldwide.

Even Mao Zedong, the then-President of China, who despised everything traditional, had such great respect for the emperor's work that he protected the Terracotta Army. A gesture that shows how significant the discovery is.

Today, the preservation of the Terracotta Army is at risk, as climate change and rapid growth in China, which has not spared Lintong, continue to challenge the excavation site. Even small earthquakes, such as those caused by the construction of new residential areas, result in damage to the millennia-old stone figures. Therefore, we can only hope that the government will come up with some plans to protect the site, so this impressive army remains preserved for a long time.

The Chinese Terracotta Army has long been on your bucket list? Understandable, as the excavation site is one of the most beautiful attractions in China. Look for the perfect hotel or send us a custom travel request for free and without obligation - we are happy to assist you!

Featured image: Neale Cousland/Shutterstock.com