Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors UNESCO World Heritage Site displays three pits of archaeological excavations. Pit 1 features an unearthed life-size clay army of men and horses arranged in battle formations. The army was meant to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who built the Great Wall and also conquered most of China before dying in 210 A.D. It is astounding that each of the more than 6,000 full-size soldier replicas has a unique hairstyle and facial features. The tomb itself has not yet been opened, and excavation continues. The site was discovered in 1974 by local farmers who found pottery pieces while digging a well; the museum opened in 1979. This immense complex has a popular light-filled, airy restaurant that caters to tour groups.

Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, China

Terracotta Warriors plus horses in Xi'an, China

lunch dishes in group dining room at Terracotta Warriors
in Xi'an, China

Nearby,

Xi’an Han De Art Work Factory

No. 6 RuiLin St., LinTong, 0086-029-83891270.

The Xi’an Han De Art Work Factory provides the opportunity to take your picture posed with your head atop the body of a terracotta warrior. Who dreamed that at this factory you can actually purchase a full size replica warrior and have the head carved to look like you! I did consider it. After all, arrangements can be made to ship any items home. When you first arrive, you will observe workers making reproductions in many different sizes, then you visit the gift shop and are amazed by the array of reproductions that are ready to go. A vast array of other China souvenirs is also displayed. Upstairs, you’ll see how lacquer furniture is finished, and observe someone hand-painting it. New as well as historic pieces are displayed, and most are for sale.