Preferential policy

The audience enjoying the free ticket policy are as follows: seniors over 65 years old,minors under 16 years old, disabled people, academicians of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, active soldiers, fire rescue personnel(including retired). Those who enjoy the free ticket policies need to bring relevant valid ID to check the tickets at the entrance of preferential channel.(Chinese nationality)

The following groups enjoy the half-price discount: full-time college degree or below with valid student ID, the half-price discount will be applied to check the tickets at the entrance of half-price discount tickets.

Opening policy

The museum opens from 8:30 a.m. to 17 p.m. during peak season and 8:30 a.m. to16.30 pm. during off-season. The Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Museum consists of the Qin Shi Huang’s Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum and the Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Archaeological Site Park (Lishan Garden), both of which take 1.5 hours to visit and can be returned by free shuttle bus.

Admission policy

Relevant valid ID

Visitors are required to bring their ID cards (including ID card, Hong Kong and Macao pass, Taiwan Resident permit return permit and passport). No one is allowed to enter the park without them. Preferential customers should bring relevant valid certificates (including military officer’s card, soldier’s card, fireman’s card, student’s card, disability card, etc.) to check and cancel the tickets at the free ticket channel.

Enter the garden time

Enter the park within the scheduled time, if you are outside the time range, you can still enter the park on the day of the scheduled time.

ID card, reimbursement, reservation and other questions 

ID problem

You cannot enter the park without your valid ID card. If you lose your ID card, you can bring your Temporary ID card with you.

Missed the scheduled time

You can still enter the park on the day of your reservation.

Reimburse the problem

The park does not provide invoices, and visitors can print reimbursement vouchers by themselves with their ID cards next to the theater in the park.

Ticket refund problem

If you buy the digital ticket in the official channel public account or website,you can refund the ticket in full in the original channel without verification. There fund will be refunded to the original account within 3 to 5 days after the refund. If purchased through other channels, please contact their customer service.

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INSTRUCTION OF TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

The Terracotta Warriors, an astonishing archaeological discovery, were uncovered in 1974 near Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China. These life-sized figures were created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Understanding the structure and pits of the Terracotta Warriors offers a deeper appreciation of their historical and cultural significance. This article delves into the complex organization, the craftsmanship involved, and the archaeological marvel that is the Terracotta Army, ensuring the keyword “Terracotta Warriors” is emphasized appropriately.

Historical Context

The Terracotta Warriors were commissioned by Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, who unified the country in 221 BCE. His mausoleum complex, where the Terracotta Army was found, reflects the grandeur and authority of his reign. The construction of these figures began around 246 BCE and involved over 700,000 laborers over several decades. The Terracotta Warriors symbolize the emperor’s quest for immortality and his belief in the afterlife.

Discovery and Excavation

The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors in 1974 by local farmers was a monumental event in archaeology. Initial excavations revealed three main pits, each containing thousands of clay soldiers, horses, and chariots. These pits were part of a larger necropolis built to accompany the emperor in the afterlife.

Structure of the Terracotta Warriors

Material and Construction

The Terracotta Warriors are made from local clay, which was molded, fired, and assembled piece by piece. Each figure consists of separate parts: the head, arms, legs, and torso, which were crafted individually and then assembled. This modular construction allowed for mass production while maintaining unique details for each warrior.

Details and Features

Each warrior is distinct, with individualized facial features, expressions, and hairstyles. The artisans paid meticulous attention to detail, creating figures that vary in height, uniform, and rank, reflecting the hierarchical structure of Qin’s army. The warriors were originally painted in bright colors, though most of the paint has faded over time.

The Pits

Pit 1: The Main Army

Pit 1 is the largest and most impressive, measuring approximately 230 meters long and 62 meters wide. It contains over 6,000 warriors arranged in battle formation. The soldiers are primarily infantrymen, armed with bronze weapons and positioned to face east, symbolizing the protection of the emperor’s tomb from potential invaders.

Pit 2: The Mixed Forces

Pit 2, slightly smaller than Pit 1, is about 96 meters long and 84 meters wide. It features a combination of infantry, cavalry, archers, and charioteers, highlighting the diverse components of Qin’s military. The intricate arrangement of these troops illustrates the complexity and strategic depth of the ancient Chinese army.

Pit 3: The Command Center

Pit 3 is the smallest of the three main pits, measuring around 21 meters long and 17 meters wide. It serves as the command post for the army, containing high-ranking officers and a war chariot. The presence of a sacrificial altar indicates its use for ceremonial purposes, further underscoring the spiritual and ritualistic aspects of the Terracotta Army.

Additional Pits and Discoveries

Beyond the three main pits, several smaller pits have been uncovered, revealing additional figures and artifacts. These include acrobats, musicians, and various animals, which provide insights into the cultural and social aspects of the Qin Dynasty. The ongoing excavations continue to shed light on the vastness and complexity of the mausoleum complex.

Significance and Legacy

The Terracotta Warriors are not only a testament to the craftsmanship and engineering prowess of ancient China but also a window into the military, cultural, and political landscape of the time. They represent the emperor’s ambition and the immense resources he commanded. The preservation and study of these figures offer invaluable insights into the Qin Dynasty and its impact on Chinese history.

Photography Tips

Photography is allowed in most areas of the Terracotta Warriors site, but flash photography and tripods are typically prohibited. To capture the best shots:

1. Lighting: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon when natural lighting is softer and less harsh.
2. Angles: Experiment with different angles to capture the unique details and expressions of the warriors.
3. Respectful Photography: Be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing their views while taking photos

Best Times to Visit

Visiting the Terracotta Warriors during off-peak times can enhance your experience by avoiding large crowds. The following tips can help you plan your visit:

1. Weekdays: Weekdays, especially outside of national holidays and school vacations, are generally less crowded.
2. Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help you avoid peak tourist hours.
3. Off-Peak Seasons: Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner.

The Terracotta Warriors remain one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Their intricate construction, the vast scale of the pits, and the historical context of their creation make them a unique and fascinating subject of study. As ongoing excavations and research continue to reveal new findings, the legacy of the Terracotta Warriors and their importance in Chinese heritage grows ever more profound.