Terracotta Army Facts
8,000+ Warriors Guarding Emperor Qin for 2,200 Years
Quick Facts
The Four Pits
Pit 1
230m × 62m
3,000+ warriors, main army
Largest pit, 11 parallel corridors
Pit 2
96m × 84m
Cavalry, infantry, chariots
Military guard formation
Pit 3
28m × 25m
High-ranking officers
Command post
Pit 4
~48m × 48m
Empty
Possibly unfinished
Key Numbers
| Item | Measurement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Warrior Height | 1.75m - 2m (5'9" - 6'7") | Officers are taller |
| Face Types | 10 base forms | Each face is unique |
| Weapons Found | 40,000+ bronze items | Swords, spears, crossbows |
| Necropolis Area | 98 km² (38 sq mi) | Entire complex |
| Tomb Chamber | 100m × 75m | Remains unopened |
| Burial Depth | 7m (23 ft) underground | Where warriors found |
Warrior Types
Armored Infantry
Heavily protected foot soldiers
Unarmored Infantry
Light foot soldiers
Cavalrymen
Horse riders with pillbox hats
Charioteers
Drivers and spear carriers
Archers
Kneeling (armored) and standing (unarmored)
Generals
Highest ranking officers, tallest figures
Officers
Various ranks, different armor
History
Emperor: Qin Shi Huang (First Emperor of China)
Purpose: Protect the emperor in his afterlife
Workers: 700,000 conscripted laborers
Ancient Record: Historian Sima Qian (145-86 BCE) described the tomb: 100 rivers simulated with mercury, ceiling decorated with heavenly bodies, floor showing the lands of China
Mercury Evidence: High mercury levels detected in soil - supporting Sima Qian's account
Looting: Possibly looted by Xiang Yu after emperor's death, evidence of fire
1974 Discovery
Date: March 29, 1974
Discoverers: Yang Zhifa and his five brothers, plus neighbor Wang Puzhi
What Happened: Farmers digging a well struck terracotta fragments
Original Colors
Original: Brightly painted with precious stones, iron oxide (red), cinnabar (red), malachite (green), azurite (blue), charcoal (black)
Problem: Colors flake off within 4 minutes of exposure to Xi'an's dry air
Only traces remain on excavated figures
Visiting Information
Practical Info
- Ticket: ¥120 (March-November), ¥150 (peak season)
- Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm)
- Time Needed: Allow 3-4 hours minimum
Getting There
Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province
40 km east of Xi'an city center
Visit Pit 1 first (largest), then Pit 2, then Pit 3
Data Sources
- • Wikipedia: Terracotta Army
- • UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- • Sima Qian, Records of the Grand Historian
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How was the Terracotta Army discovered?
On March 29, 1974, local farmers Yang Zhifa and his five brothers, plus neighbor Wang Puzhi, were digging a well near Mount Li when they struck terracotta fragments. They reported the find to authorities, leading to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Q2: How many Terracotta Warriors are there?
Over 8,000 warriors have been discovered, along with 130 chariots, 670 horses, and thousands of weapons. Pit 1 alone contains more than 3,000 warriors. Each figure has a unique face, created from 10 base face forms with individual modifications.
Q3: How much do Terracotta Army tickets cost?
Tickets are ¥120 during peak season (March-November). The ticket includes access to all three pits, the museum, and the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum site. Allow 3-4 hours for your visit. Visit Pit 1 first (largest), then Pit 2, then Pit 3.
Q4: Why are the Terracotta Warriors' colors gone?
The warriors were originally painted in bright colors using precious stones and minerals. However, when exposed to Xi'an's dry air after excavation, the lacquer beneath the paint dries and curls within 4 minutes, causing the colors to flake off. Only traces remain today.