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Friday 10 October 2014

China Silk Road Travel Part 44: Terracotta Warriors


Xian is most well-known for its Terracotta Warriors which is said to be a sensational archaeological find, attracting millions of tourists each year. These sculptures which depict the army of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang were buried when the emperor died to "protect" him in his afterlife. 
Out of the three pits excavated, Pit 1 measuring 750 feet long and 203 feet wide is the largest. Pit 1 is believed to have more than 6000 sculptures of warriors and horses buried in it but only 2000 warriors and horses and 20 wooden chariots were displayed. There is still ongoing excavation and restoration work within the pit. (See the lit-up portion at the back)

The terracotta figures are life-sized. They vary in height, uniform, hairstyle and comically even skin-color tone. Most originally held real weapons like swords, spears and crossbows. 
Each warrior is individually sculptured as no two warriors seem to look alike.


ongoing excavation and restoration work

The other pits are smaller and not as interesting as the first pit.
Many pieces are still embedded in the ground.
& many sculptures are broken.
This precious find, "The Bronze Chariot of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum" is exhibited in a glass enclosed casing under very dim light.  Hundreds sardine-packed the space to take a photo of this rare find.
And look what I found at the souvenir shop! An exact replica of the authentic find but this is for sale to the public.
More replica items for sale at the souvenir shop.

China Silk Road Tour Related Posts: 
Part 1: Overview
Part 2: Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Part 3: Hancheng Lake
Part 4: I Stayed In Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza, Xian
Part 5: Xinjiang Where The People Speaks Mandarin With A Funny Accent
Part 6: Heavenly Lake
Part 7: Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar
Part 8: Hooray! 2 Nights In Cinda Hoi Tak Hotel, Urumqi
Part 9: Glimpses Of Turpan (Xinjiang)
Part 10: Karez Well
Part 11: The Ruins Of Jiohe
Part 12: The Grape Valley Of Turpan
Part 13: Nothing Comes Free!
Part 14: Emin Minaret
Part 15: Flaming Mountain
Part 16: Tuyugou Canyon
Part 17: Mazar Village Of Tuyugou Valley
Part 18: Kumtag Desert
Part 19: Turpan Maixi Laipu Hotel Review
Part 20: Xinjiang Cuisine
Part 21: The Journey To Hami
Part 22: Hami Hotel Block 6 Photo Review
Part 23 : Glimpses Of Dunhuang (Photo Gallery)
Part 24: An Amazing Desert Experience At Echoing Sand Dunes
Part 25: A Camel Ride At Echoing Sand Dunes
Part 26: An Oasis Of Flowers At Echoing Sand Dunes
Part 27: Crescent Lake
Part 28: Mogao Grottoes
Part 29: Dunhuang Fuguo Hotel Photo Review
Part 30: Jiayuguan pass
Part 31: Jiuquan Park
Part 32: 1 Night In Jiuquan Hotel
Part 33: Glimpses Of Jiuquan
Part 34: Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park
Part 35: My Journey From Jiuquan Into Zhangye
Part 36: Giang Buddha Temple, Zhangye
Part 37: Power Mansion Hotel, Zhangye
Part 38: The Journey Into Wuwei
Part 39: Leitei Tomb Of The Han Dynasty
Part 40: Glimpses Of Langzhou
Part 41: Langzhou Waterwheel Garden
Part 42: Only 8 Hours In Langzhou Legend Hotel
Part 43: Huaqing Hotspring
Part 45: Shaanxi Sunshine Grand Theatre

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