The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum, Lintong County, Shaanxi Province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China.

Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had begun to work for his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his after life. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb in Array in Pit 11974. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. They came to Xian in droves to study and to extend the digs. They had established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC).

Admission Fee:

CNY 90 (Mar.1 to Nov. 30),about 12 USD
CNY 65 (Dec. 1 to Feb. 28/29)
Opening Hours: 08:00 to 18:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: Three hours
Transportation: If you take a taxi to get to the Terra cotta Warriors and Horses Museum from Xian city centre, it costs about 240RMB(30USD), round way by taxi costs about 480RMB(60USD).