China is to announce the results of a third archaeological exploration of the site of the Terracotta Army in Xi'an on Saturday.

The latest dig began in 2009, 24 years since the first pit was uncovered. The new exploration area has been narrowed down from an initial 2,000 square meters to 200 square meters, in which hundreds of musicians and court entertainers wearing sophisticated purple garments have been found.

According to an archaeologist, remains of weapons including drumheads, crossbows, and shields, are providing a new understanding of weaponry and battle techniques in the Qin Dynasty, more than 2000 years ago.