Located in the northwest of the People’s Republic of China is a place called Xi’an. And in this place stands an army estimatedto be 8000 strong. The thing is, the army is built of terracotta and is said to date back to the late third century BCE. The Terracotta Army comprises of warriors, chariots and horses which are lined up along pits nearby Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum.
Discovered in the 1970s, it is believed that the figures were sculpted to remember the triumph over other Chinese armies to create a united China some 2200 years ago. The soldiers vary in size according to their ranks with the Generals being the tallest. When built, they were adorned with real weapons but most have either been stolen (cheeky buggers) or rotted away.
This top attraction is definitely one to add to your list of things to do when visiting China and will require half a day or so to visit. There are three vaults on display with vault one being the most impressive. You’ll need a guide if you don’t speak Chinese though so make sure you book one in before you plan to visit.
