title: Terracotta Warriors and Horses  A terracotta army guarding , the tomb of Qin Shihuang, which lures travelers from all over the world. In a quest for immortality and eternal power, China's first emperor chose to have himself buried with some 8,000 life-size, intricately carved soldiers, horses, and chariots. Discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974, the terracotta army then wore painted uniforms, but exposure to the air and sun has turned them black. Terracotta Warriors and Horses - Ranking as one of China's and the world's top historical sights, it houses around 8,000 life-size pottery warriors and horses and chariots, ready to defend their emperor's immortal soul.The Terracotta Warriors are not to be missed by any visitor to China, it is the must go attraction in Xi'an. The warriors stand guard in battle formation over Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum which has yet to be excavated. Their discovery in 1974 by local farmers was perhaps the most significant archeological discovery of the 20th Century. Work is ongoing at this 22,000 square meter site, which houses around 8,000 life-size pottery warriors and horses. The 2000 year old site has fast become the main attraction in Lintong County, Shaanxi province. Every figure differs from those around in facial features and expression, clothing, hairstyle, and gestures. The horsemen, the longbow bearers, the archers and the senior officers and generals were positioned in strict accordance with the ancient directives on the Art of War. Many of the figures originally held real weapons of the time, such as bronze swords, longbows, arrows, spears, dagger-axes and other long-shafted weapons. Surface treatment of the weapons made them resistant to rust and corrosion so that after being buried for over 2000 years they were still sharp. Standing in the vaults, you would be amazed by such a grand ancient army formation, which would transport you back to the ancient warring states period. The tomb is a treasury for the Chinese people, and for the whole world as well. |
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