Terra Cotta Warriors

The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses musuem is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in China today. This attraction is located approximately one and a half kilometers from the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the province of Shaanxi in Xi’an, China. To gain entrance to this amazing museum, you’ll pay RMB90 during the peak visiting time (which equals out to about $11 USD).

To truly enjoy the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, it helps to understand the rich history and heritage behind this collection. In 1974, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses were discovered accidentally by a group of workers who were working on a well. Researchers and archeologists quickly got word of the amazing discovery and traveled to Xi’an to find out more about these fascinating figures.

They determined that the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses belonged to the Emperor Qin Shi Huang who ruled during the Qin Dynasty from 211 - 206 B.C. While the Terra Cotta Warriors (and their horses) were created to protect the mausoleum of the emperor, they are now kept in a vacant airplane hangar.

If you’re taking a bus to see the Terra Cotta Warriors, you’ll want to take Route 306 and have at least two to three hours to devote to viewing the spectacular sights. The remarkable life sized warriors are thought to have been painted after their construction. However, over the last 2,000 years, the paint has worn off leaving the recognizable terra cotta shade behind. Many of the warriors carried ancient weapons, but these have been put away out of reach and sight of the public.

Many people choose to take a guided tour, and this is a good option for anyone who wants to hear the fascinating stories that accompany these statues. Don’t bother taking your camera, because there are no photographs allowed at this attraction. Even though you won’t be able to document your visit to the amazing Terra Cotta Warriors, you’ll certainly never forget your time at this remarkable Chinese attraction!