Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the world. Today we want to share a story with you about a journey that we began in 2015. At that time, we had lived in northeast China for 3 years; we decided to carry a trip across Asia within three months; a part of the plan includes a long trip from Beijing to Xi'an to visit the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang is one of the greatest archaeological finds in the world, has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987.
We can honestly say that in all the years of his traveling, Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang still is one of the most impressive sights we've ever set foot. This is also one of the first world heritage sites that I visit. So for me, it is quite meaningful place.
Most of the pictures were taken in November 2015; the day that we visited the terracotta warriors is on a winter day. Perhaps the chilly air made the experience becoming a special impression on me. It is simply the feeling cannot be described in words.
Our journey started in Xi'an, moving on a local small bus to the archaeological site. This is exactly a rickety old local bus, not the kind of popular bus tour that tourists usually go. We were the only foreigners on the bus and our companions are mostly Chinese workers, who stared at us with curious bearing. Of course, with such an old car, I do not expect it will operate smoothly. The car gets a flat tire and we had to take about an hour to wait for the driver solving this problem. Fortunately, there are several roadside shops for us to rest.
The Tomb is located on north Ly Son Mountain, Shaanxi Province, China. It was discovered in 1974, when a farmer living near the city Xi'an digs a well and found a clay head. At that time, archaeologists began the excavation and discovered this monumental tomb.
The Terracotta Warriors is definitely one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. Qin Shi Huang became emperor of China in 246 BC and he took 11 years to complete the construction his tomb. According to the documents I have read, this place is used to store valuable treasure in terms of history and economics. He ordered the constructing this huge terracotta army to accompany him into the afterlife. There are many studies say that the sculptures of ancient Greece were the inspiration for Qin Shihuang to construct the Terracotta army. This has not been explained or recognized; perhaps that is just a hypothesis
Given what we know, this excavation was conducted from the 70s, but until now, scientists just have been dug about 8000 artifacts, because they face many problems such as funding, security issues and preserving antiques.
A museum has been built near the area excavated in 1975, exhibiting the unearthed antiquities for visitors to admire. On the day we went, there were many visitors came to visit, everyone is curious about the life of a king of old, what he wears, what food he eat and much more. The museum has an area with an area of around 16,300 m2; showcasing more than 7,000 soldiers stood guard with horses, cars and their weapons of war. This place is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1987.
We also took the time to wander around the Emperor's tomb. Although there is not much to see, everything was sorted pretty neat, we only were stood on the mound and just looked what has been excavated under our feet.
People can find information about the types of artifacts displayed here in the museum information room. We decided to buy some souvenirs here to commemorate our trip; there were quite few stores open on that day, most employees hissed in the wind chill.
The special thing here is that there are thousands of soldiers are molded earthenware, but all the faces of the soldiers are completely different, from facial expressions to the eyelids, ears, etc. Up to now, the scientists have yet to figure out the reason and manual to create such flawless terracotta statues.
We can honestly say that in all the years of his traveling, Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang still is one of the most impressive sights we've ever set foot. This is also one of the first world heritage sites that I visit. So for me, it is quite meaningful place.
Most of the pictures were taken in November 2015; the day that we visited the terracotta warriors is on a winter day. Perhaps the chilly air made the experience becoming a special impression on me. It is simply the feeling cannot be described in words.
Thousands of baked clay warriors
Our journey started in Xi'an, moving on a local small bus to the archaeological site. This is exactly a rickety old local bus, not the kind of popular bus tour that tourists usually go. We were the only foreigners on the bus and our companions are mostly Chinese workers, who stared at us with curious bearing. Of course, with such an old car, I do not expect it will operate smoothly. The car gets a flat tire and we had to take about an hour to wait for the driver solving this problem. Fortunately, there are several roadside shops for us to rest.
The Tomb is located on north Ly Son Mountain, Shaanxi Province, China. It was discovered in 1974, when a farmer living near the city Xi'an digs a well and found a clay head. At that time, archaeologists began the excavation and discovered this monumental tomb.
The Terracotta Warriors is definitely one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. Qin Shi Huang became emperor of China in 246 BC and he took 11 years to complete the construction his tomb. According to the documents I have read, this place is used to store valuable treasure in terms of history and economics. He ordered the constructing this huge terracotta army to accompany him into the afterlife. There are many studies say that the sculptures of ancient Greece were the inspiration for Qin Shihuang to construct the Terracotta army. This has not been explained or recognized; perhaps that is just a hypothesis
Given what we know, this excavation was conducted from the 70s, but until now, scientists just have been dug about 8000 artifacts, because they face many problems such as funding, security issues and preserving antiques.
A museum has been built near the area excavated in 1975, exhibiting the unearthed antiquities for visitors to admire. On the day we went, there were many visitors came to visit, everyone is curious about the life of a king of old, what he wears, what food he eat and much more. The museum has an area with an area of around 16,300 m2; showcasing more than 7,000 soldiers stood guard with horses, cars and their weapons of war. This place is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1987.
We also took the time to wander around the Emperor's tomb. Although there is not much to see, everything was sorted pretty neat, we only were stood on the mound and just looked what has been excavated under our feet.
People can find information about the types of artifacts displayed here in the museum information room. We decided to buy some souvenirs here to commemorate our trip; there were quite few stores open on that day, most employees hissed in the wind chill.
The special thing here is that there are thousands of soldiers are molded earthenware, but all the faces of the soldiers are completely different, from facial expressions to the eyelids, ears, etc. Up to now, the scientists have yet to figure out the reason and manual to create such flawless terracotta statues.
