Notes on Terracotta Warriors:

Terracotta Warriors, also known as the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Army, are located 1.5 km south of Xiyang Village, Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. They are the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The following is a detailed introduction to the Terracotta Warriors: 1. Historical Background: - The construction of the Terracotta Warriors began in 246 BC and took nearly 40 years to complete. After Qin Shi Huang unified the six kingdoms, he ordered the construction of a large-scale mausoleum to consolidate his rule. The Terracotta Warriors are part of the mausoleum and were used as burial objects. This reflects the power of the Qin Dynasty and the authority of Qin Shi Huang, and also embodies the ancient Chinese funeral culture and social hierarchy. 2. Excavation Process: - In March 1974, villagers in Xiyang Village, Lintong County, Shaanxi Province, accidentally discovered some terracotta fragments while digging a well. After archaeological exploration and trial excavation, it was confirmed that this was a large-scale burial pit, namely the No. 1 Terracotta Warriors Pit. - In 1976, the archaeological team excavated the No. 2 Pit at the northern end of the eastern side of the No. 1 Pit. In May of the same year, the No. 3 Pit was discovered. - In 1979, the No. 1 Pit was opened to the public; in 1989, the No. 3 Pit was opened; in 1994, the No. 2 Pit was opened during excavation. In 2009, researchers re-excavated the No. 1 Pit of the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors. 3. Architectural Layout: - The Terracotta Warriors Pits are underground tunnel-style earthen and wooden structures. A large pit about 5 meters deep is dug from the ground, and parallel earthen walls are built in the middle of the pit. Wooden pillars are arranged on both sides of the walls, and horizontal beams are placed on the pillars. The horizontal beams and earthen walls are densely covered with wooden planks, and a layer of reed mats is laid on the wooden planks, followed by a layer of yellow earth, forming the roof of the pit. The roof of the pit is about 2 meters higher than the ground surface at that time. The bottom of the pit is paved with blue bricks, and the internal space from the top of the pit to the bottom is 3.2 meters high. - The three burial pits are arranged in a "pin" shape. The No. 1 Pit has the largest area and is a rectangular military formation dominated by infantry and chariots; the No. 2 Pit is a convex pit facing east, which is a multi-armed pit covering cavalry, chariots, and infantry. It is the essence of the Terracotta Warriors Pits; the No. 3 Pit is the smallest, with a "concave" shape, and most of the interior is wooden chariots and guards holding spears; the No. 4 Pit has a pit but no terracotta figures. 4. Unearthed Artifacts: - Terracotta figures: Currently, about 8,000 terracotta figures have been discovered, with different shapes. Each terracotta figure has a different outfit, expression, gesture, and facial expression. The height is generally between 175 and 180 cm. They include senior military officers, infantry, kneeling archers, cavalry, and charioteers, realistically reflecting the organization, equipment, and combat methods of the Qin army. - Terracotta horses: The terracotta horses are about 172 cm high and 200 cm long. They are not very large, with relatively heavy heads, prominent nasal bones, thick and short necks, low forelocks, broad and slightly concave backs, and relatively wide chests. - Weapons: There are various weapons, including halberds, spears, halberds, axes, maces, lances, bows, and crossbows, showcasing the superb weapon manufacturing technology of the Qin Dynasty. 5. Artistic Value: - The Terracotta Warriors are tall and realistic, with meticulous techniques. In the overall layout, the repetition of numerous upright and static figures creates a majestic momentum, leaving an awe-inspiring and unforgettable impression. The facial expressions and body postures of each terracotta figure are carefully carved, with distinct personalities and vivid images, possessing high artistic value. They provide valuable physical materials for the study of ancient Chinese sculpture art. 6. Visiting Information: - Ticket price: Full price ticket is 120 yuan/person, student ticket is 60 yuan/person. People aged 65 or above (including 65), disabled persons, active Chinese military personnel, and minors under 16 years old are entitled to free admission. However, free visitors need to make an appointment in advance on the official ticketing website. - Transportation: You can take Metro Line 9 from Xi'an city center to Huaqingchi Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the Terracotta Warriors景区; you can also choose to take a tourist bus from the east square of Xi'an Railway Station. When visiting the Terracotta Warriors, it is recommended to learn about the relevant historical and cultural knowledge in advance, or hire a tour guide for explanation. This will help you better understand the value and significance of the Terracotta Warriors. At the same time, pay attention to the protection of cultural relics, and do not touch or damage the exhibits.