Terracotta Warriors – Tickets, Opening hours, Highlights, and Tips

The First Pit of the Terracotta Warriors, located in the south, is an impressive archaeological site measuring 230 meters in length from east to west and 62 meters in width, covering an area of 14,260 square meters. At the eastern end of the pit, there are 210 warrior statues dressed in full armor, organized in rows of 68 figures each, forming a rear guard phalanx. The central part of the pit features 38 rows of chariots and infantry, representing the main body of the army.

From 2009 to 2022, the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors conducted the third formal excavation of the First Pit. During this excavation, over 220 terracotta figures were unearthed. These figures have been categorized based on their headgear, armor, and attire into senior military officer figures, mid-level military officer figures, junior military officer figures, and general warrior figures. Preliminary analysis and research have further subdivided the junior military officer figures into two distinct types.

Archaeologists also discovered remnants of Qin dynasty shields. These shields are similar in shape to those found on the bronze chariots but are twice the size. This is the first discovery of Qin shields in the archaeology of the Qin Mausoleum. Additionally, bronze long swords and crossbows were unearthed, providing the first clear identification of “qingmu” (a type of wood) and the preservation methods for crossbows.

Located to the northeast of the First Pit and east of the Third Pit, the Second Pit is a remarkable archaeological site in its own right. Measuring 96 meters in length from east to west and 84 meters in width from north to south, it covers a total area of approximately 6,000 square meters. Similar in structure to the First Pit, the Second Pit is notable for its more complex and comprehensive military formations, making it the most spectacular of the three pits.

The Second Pit features a multi-unit special force composed of cavalry, chariots, and infantry, including crossbowmen. Within this pit, over 1,300 terracotta figures and horses, more than 80 chariots, and tens of thousands of bronze weapons have been discovered. Notably, it includes figures of generals, saddled horses, and kneeling archers, all found here for the first time. The pit is divided into four main sections:

• The First Unit:
  • Located at the eastern end of the pit.
  • Features a long corridor with 60 standing crossbowmen surrounding the unit.
  • The core consists of 160 kneeling crossbowmen arranged in eight rows facing east.
  • The formation is designed for rotational shooting to overcome the slow reload time of crossbows, with standing and kneeling archers alternating their fire.
• The Second Unit:
  • Situated on the right side of the pit.
  • Comprises a square formation of 64 chariots, each originally made of wood, with only the remnants remaining.
  • Each chariot is drawn by four terracotta horses and followed by three soldiers: the driver in the center and two soldiers on either side, armed with long-handled weapons.

• The Third Unit:
  • Found in the central part of the pit.
  • Consists of 19 chariots, 264 infantry figures, and 8 cavalry figures arranged in a rectangular formation.
  • Each cavalry horse is accompanied by a rider holding the reins in one hand and preparing to shoot a bow with the other.
  • Behind each chariot are three soldiers and additional infantry ranging from 8 to 36 figures.
• The Fourth Unit:
  • Positioned on the left side of the formation.
  • Contains 108 cavalry figures and 180 saddled horses arranged in 11 rows.
  • The first and third rows include six chariots each.
  • Each horse is accompanied by a rider wearing a distinctive “barbarian” style outfit, holding the reins in the right hand and a bow in the left.

The Third Pit of the Terracotta Warriors, covering an area of approximately 520 square meters, is an intriguing and significant archaeological site. Located to the north of the western end of the First Pit and directly opposite the Second Pit, it is unique in its shape, resembling the Chinese character “凹” (āo), and consists of southern and northern chambers, as well as a central carriage chamber that houses a chariot pulled by four horses and four terracotta warriors. In total, the Third Pit contains around 68 terracotta figures.

What sets the Third Pit apart from the other two is its role and preservation state. Unlike the First and Second Pits, which suffered damage from fires, the Third Pit remains relatively intact, with many of the terracotta figures retaining their original paint. This has allowed researchers to study the vivid colors that once adorned these ancient warriors.

The layout and artifacts of the Third Pit suggest that it served as the command center for the armies represented in the First and Second Pits. This theory is supported by the pit’s central location among the three and its unique structure. The presence of only a small number of warriors, along with a chariot, indicates a strategic, rather than combative, purpose.

Historically, during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, military commanders often led from the front lines. However, as warfare evolved and became more complex, the Qin Dynasty developed more sophisticated tactics. By the time of the First Emperor, command structures had advanced significantly. The Third Pit illustrates this progression, representing one of the earliest known military command centers in archaeological history.

The separation of the command unit from the main army allowed for more strategic planning and improved the safety of high-ranking officers. This separation marked a significant development in military tactics, highlighting the maturation of ancient Chinese warfare strategies.

Archaeologically, the Third Pit is a treasure trove of information. Its well-preserved state provides valuable insights into the construction techniques, layout, and operational strategies of a Qin Dynasty military command post. The terracotta figures, chariots, and weapons found within offer detailed evidence of the period’s military uniforms, ceremonial practices, and command systems.

Warriors on Charioteer, also known as “Cheshi” in Chinese, were soldiers positioned on war chariots alongside the charioteer. Typically, each chariot would have two warriors, known as the left and right charioteers. The left charioteer wore long robes and draped himself in armor, wearing leg guards and a headpiece. He held long weapons like spears, halberds, or tridents in his left hand while bracing himself against the chariot with his right hand. The right charioteer had the same attire as the left one but with reversed positioning. These warriors played a crucial role in chariot warfare, though historical texts suggest differences in their weapon configurations and combat responsibilities.

Standing archer warriors are a distinctive type found in the Terracotta Army, primarily unearthed in the eastern part of Pit 2. Armed with bows and crossbows, they formed the front part of the crossbowmen units. These warriors are depicted wearing lightweight battle robes, tied with leather belts, and adorned with a high topknot hairstyle. Their footwear consisted of pointed-toe shoes, providing agility on the battlefield. The stance of these archer warriors aligns with ancient texts describing archery techniques, indicating the advanced level of archery skills during the Qin Dynasty. Their gestures, as recorded in historical texts, demonstrate the standardized shooting techniques developed during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, serving as a model for archery practices in later periods.

Kneeling archer warriors, unearthed alongside standing archer warriors in the eastern part of Pit 2, formed part of the crossbowmen units. While standing archers were positioned at the front of the formation, kneeling archers were stationed at the heart of the military array. These warriors wore battle robes draped with armor and sported a distinctive hairstyle with a topknot on the left side. Their footwear, depicted with meticulous detail, showcased the craftsmanship of the artisans, reflecting a commitment to realism. Kneeling on their right knee with the left leg bent, they held a bow in a poised position, capturing the essence of individual archery practice. Notably, remnants of red pigment on their armor highlight the exquisite preservation of these unique figures, providing valuable insights into ancient Qin military attire and practices.

Infantry warriors, representing the bulk of the Terracotta Army, were the ordinary foot soldiers with an average height of around 1.8 meters. These warriors formed the backbone of the military formation and were divided into two main categories based on their attire: robe-wearing warriors and armored warriors. Robe-wearing warriors, characterized by their flexibility and agility, were predominantly positioned at the forefront of the formation. On the other hand, armored warriors were distributed within the formation, showcasing a more robust defense. Both types of warriors wielded real weapons, exuding a sense of vigor and readiness even in their static terracotta forms.

Military officer warriors, ranking below general warriors, are classified into middle-ranking and lower-ranking categories. Their representation in the pits is minimal, with fewer than ten specimens unearthed. They are further categorized into robe-wearing generals and armored generals. Armored generals typically don double or single-layered long crowns and wear various styles of armored robes. Adorned with intricate decorations such as colorful floral knots on the chest, back, and shoulders, these warriors exude magnificence and authority, symbolizing their rank and status within the military hierarchy. In contrast to generals, military officer warriors exhibit slight differences in both attire and demeanor. While they may not possess the robust physique of generals, they stand tall with broad shoulders and solemn expressions, reflecting their thoughtful and martial nature, some displaying homesickness.

Cavalry warriors, totaling 116 specimens unearthed from Pits 1 and 2, were primarily utilized for swift maneuvers during wartime. Distinguished by their specialized role, cavalry warriors don attire distinct from infantry and chariot warriors. Adorning round caps and tight-sleeved jackets with overlapping right flaps secured at the chest, they wear snug trousers and short boots, complemented by small-scale armor. Unlike infantry and chariot warriors, cavalry warriors lack shoulder pads and armguards, emphasizing agility over heavy protection. Their compact attire facilitates swift movement, with one hand gripping the reins while the other wields a bow. This specialized attire underscores the agility required for ancient cavalry tactics. The discovery of cavalry warriors in Pit 2 represents the earliest physical evidence of cavalry in Chinese archaeology, providing invaluable insights into the attire and equipment of ancient cavalrymen.

Charioteer warriors, tasked with driving chariots, are found in all three pits of the terracotta army. Adorned in long robes and armored with chest and arm guards, they wear leg protection and neck armor. Their heads are covered with cloth turbans and long crowns, and their arms are extended forward in a gesture of holding reins. In ancient warfare, chariots were formidable weapons, and the role of charioteers was crucial, often directly impacting the outcome of battles.

Each chariot in the terracotta army is led by four terracotta horses. These horses closely resemble real horses in size, with a length of about 2.10 meters and a height of 1.72 meters. The sculptures depict them with clipped manes, bound tails, raised necks, and open mouths, giving them an appearance of neighing. The two horses in the center have ears pricked forward and eyes looking straight ahead, while the outer horses have slightly turned necks, as if eager to move forward.

The terracotta horses unearthed from the pits closely match the proportions and characteristics of real horses found in the stables of Emperor Qin’s mausoleum complex. This indicates that they were sculpted based on real horses, likely reflecting the horse-breeding practices of the Qin Dynasty.

Unearthed from Pit 2, these terracotta horses stand at a height of approximately 1.72 meters. Observing their physical features, these terracotta horses have small heads, prominent noses, short and thick necks, low manes, broad backs slightly concaved downwards, and well-developed limbs. They represent a type of horse known for its combination of strength and speed, making them suitable for both pulling carriages and riding.

Historical records from the Qin dynasty, such as the Yumeng Qin Bamboo Slips, indicate that saddled horses were primarily sourced from government stables. County officials were responsible for managing the selection and training of military horses, directly influencing the quality of these horses. The Qin Dynasty was renowned for its horse-breeding capabilities, with both central and local government establishments maintaining stables to provide horses for cavalry and chariots.

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