China - Xi An : Terracotta Warriors 兵马俑

Xi An - Sep 2015

We didnt think we could tour Xi An on our own but it is actually very easy after we started on our research. 

My husband went Xi An once when he was very young and want to go back again since he is such a chinese history lover (actually is chinese ancient drama lover). 

Xi An is actually very tourist friendly as it has all the scheduled buses to all the touristy places. It is very wallet friendly as well! 

One of the most famous and must go place is to visit the Terracotta Warriors. Bus journey takes about 1 hour from the Xi An main city.

This is the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's statue

Emperor Qin gave order to build Terracotta Warriors to continue safeguard and serve him even in his afterlife. He truly believed such statues can be animated in the after life and he could continue to have the same military power and imperial status in the afterlife as he had before.

Historians believed and estimated about 700,000 craftsmen and slaves had built the complex, but they also believed that many others were put to death to keep this mausoleum a secret.

The main highlights of the mausoleum are the three pits (Pit One, Pit Two, and Pit Three) where the warriors are on display, and the Exhibition of Bronze Chariots.

Pit One is the largest and most impressive where about 2,000 terracotta warriors are displayed.

It was until 1974 about 40 years ago when the local farmers discovered some pottery fragments while drilling a well in search of water.

There are five sloping entrances on the sides of the pit which believed that once the contraction of the pit was completed, the entrances were then sealed with wooden pillars.

The excavation work of Pit 1 has not been completed. It is still continuing as of this moment.

The warriors were arranged as if they are in the war formation and seems prepared for battle at any moment.

Pit Two uncovers the mystery of the ancient army array whereas Pit Three represents the command post.

Excavation and restoration is still ongoing at both pits.

Need to pay in order to pay with these fake warrior.. I didnt pay...

Cavalryman with his saddled war horse

Standing Archer

This is very impressive and very well maintained

This is fake mini terracotta warriors which you can bring them home.

Direction

Go to the the east square of Railway Station to take tourism bus no.5 (306) for reaching destination. 

One hour bus journey

Journey: 42 km 

Take free shuttle bus from Terracotta warriors to Qin Shi Huang Masoleum

Bus fee: 7 rmb

Entrance fee: 150 rmb(March 1 – November 30); 

otherwise 120 rmb. Children under 1.2m: free of charge.

Operating hours:  07:00–19:00

**Avoid fake tourist buses: Genuine tourist buses are grey coaches with 45 seats and tickets purchased from a conductor on boarding. The typical fake tourist bus is light yellow (maybe with 游5 displayed) with 20 seats and a ticket window. The operators waste your time with tourist trap visits, where you are also encouraged to waste your money.