Top 10 amazing historical sites in China
- By Lu Na
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E-mail China.org.cn, October 26, 2010
The Museum of the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army (秦始皇兵馬俑), also called the "Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses", is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang (the first Emperor of China). Farmers discovered the statues of the soldiers in 1974. The Museum of the Terracotta Army was built on the site where the Terracotta Army was found and opened to the public in 1979.
The museum consists of three huge pits as well as the hall of the two bronze chariots and horses. Covering an area of 22,780 square meters, over 8,000 terra cotta soldiers and horses and over 10,000 bronze weapons were discovered in three different pits.
The construction of the army began in 246 BC and came to an end 39 years later in 208BC. Soldiers vary in height and formation and include statues of warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. Most warriors hold weapons on their hands, such as bows, spears, swords and machetes.
The museum is a treasure trove of Qing Dynasty's military affairs, science and technology, art and culture. It has been listed as an UNESCO "World Heritage Site". French former Prime Minister Jacques Chirac said: "One can't claim to have visited China unless one has seen these Terracotta Warriors." It is renowned as "the Eighth Wonder of the World".
Travel Tips:
1). The museum has excellent services, providing wheel chairs for the people with disabilities, lounges for tourists, first aid services and tours in Chinese, English and Japanese.
2). One can bargain in the museum shops just like street vendors.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (from Mar 16 - Nov 14);
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (from Nov 15 - Mar 15)
Admission: 90 yuan (high season); 65 yuan (low season);
Tel: +86-029-81399170 (complaint line);
120 (for first aid);
+86-029-81399170 (inquiries);
Getting There:
By Bus: You can take the green Terracota Warrior minibuses at the train station or bus No.306, 914, 915, 101. All cost 7 yuan and the ride takes about an hour.
