• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Divergent Travelers

Divergent Travelers

Award-Winning Adventure Travel Blog

CLICK TO OPEN MENUMENU
  • TRAVEL TIPS
    • TRAVEL INSPIRATION
    • HOW TO PLAN A TRIP
    • HOW TO SAVE MONEY FOR TRAVEL
    • CHEAP PLACES TO TRAVEL
    • FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS
    • FIND CHEAP ACCOMMODATION
    • TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS
    • TRAVEL ITINERARIES
    • TRAVEL GEAR GUIDE
    • TRAVEL INSURANCE ADVICE
  • USA TRAVEL
    • USA TRAVEL GUIDE
    • USA NATIONAL PARKS
    • WEST COAST USA
      • ALASKA
      • CALIFORNIA
      • HAWAII
    • MOUNTAIN USA
      • COLORADO
      • MONTANA
      • WYOMING
    • MIDWEST USA
      • MINNESOTA
      • NORTH DAKOTA
      • WISCONSIN
    • NORTHEAST USA
      • NEW YORK
    • SOUTHWEST USA
      • ARIZONA
      • NEVADA
      • UTAH
    • SOUTHEAST USA
      • FLORIDA
      • NORTH CAROLINA
      • VIRGINIA
  • DESTINATIONS
    • WORLDWIDE
    • AFRICA
      • BOTSWANA
      • ETHIOPIA
      • KENYA
      • MALAWI
      • NAMIBIA
      • RWANDA
      • SOUTH AFRICA
      • TANZANIA
      • ZIMBABWE
    • ANTARCTICA
    • ASIA
      • CHINA
      • HONG KONG
      • INDIA
      • KYRGYZSTAN
      • MACAU
      • MALDIVES
      • RUSSIA
      • SOUTH KOREA
      • SRI LANKA
      • TIBET
      • TURKMENISTAN
      • UZBEKISTAN
    • SOUTHEAST ASIA
      • BORNEO
      • CAMBODIA
      • INDONESIA
      • MALAYSIA
      • MYANMAR
      • PHILIPPINES
      • SINGAPORE
      • THAILAND
      • VIETNAM
    • CARIBBEAN
    • CENTRAL AMERICA
    • EUROPE
      • NORDICS
        • DENMARK
        • FINLAND
        • ICELAND
        • NORWAY
        • SWEDEN
      • WESTERN EUROPE
        • BELGIUM
        • ENGLAND
        • FRANCE
        • IRELAND
        • LUXEMBOURG
        • NETHERLANDS
        • SCOTLAND
      • CENTRAL EUROPE
        • CZECH REPUBLIC
        • GERMANY
        • HUNGARY
        • POLAND
      • SOUTHERN EUROPE
        • ITALY
        • SPAIN
      • BALKANS
        • CROATIA
        • GREECE
        • MONTENEGRO
    • MIDDLE EAST
      • EGYPT
      • JORDAN
      • MOROCCO
      • TURKEY
    • NORTH AMERICA
      • CANADA
      • GREENLAND
      • MEXICO
      • UNITED STATES
    • OCEANIA
      • AUSTRALIA
      • EASTER ISLAND
      • FIJI
      • NEW ZEALAND
    • SOUTH AMERICA
      • ARGENTINA
      • BRAZIL
      • CHILE
      • COLOMBIA
      • ECUADOR
      • PERU
      • VENEZUELA
  • TRAVEL STYLES
    • ADVENTURE TRAVEL
    • CRUISING
    • CULTURAL
    • HIKING TRIPS
    • KAYAKING
    • POLAR EXPEDITIONS
    • ROAD TRIPS
    • TROPICAL DESTINATIONS
    • WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES
  • PHOTOGRAPHY
    • MASTER GOPRO PHOTOGRAPHY
    • BEST GOPRO ACCESSORIES
    • BEST CAMERA ACCESSORIES
    • BEST DRONES FOR TRAVEL
    • BEST TRAVEL TRIPOD
    • OUR PHOTO GEAR
  • ABOUT
    • MEET LINA & DAVID
    • WORK WITH US
    • CONTACT

China’s Terracotta Army: Photo Essay

You are here: Home / Asia Travel / China’s Terracotta Army: Photo Essay

By Lina Stock on September 15, 2014 • Last updated March 19, 2020 • 10 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure here

One of China’s great wonders can be seen in the city of Xi’an. In 1974 a group of local farmers were digging a water well in the area when they discovered pieces of terracotta.

This discovery prompted an investigation and excavation that would unearth a hidden army of warriors, officials, horses, chariots, acrobats and musicians.  This site is arguably the world’s greatest archeological find.

Since we find history fascinating we added Xi’an as a stop in China and made a day of checking out this famous site. The ride from Xi’an took about an hour on the local bus that leaves from the main train station area.

Arriving at the site was slightly unorganized, but we made our way through the parking lot and into the ticketing area, purchased tickets and opted to walk to the entrance rather than paying additional money for the short golf cart ride.

Terracotta Army Warriors China Pit 1

The site was chaotically busy with several Chinese families visiting. The summer months give you the best weather for travel in China, but it also means that local families are traveling because of summer vacation. This makes most sites in China almost unbearably crowded and busy.  The Terracotta Army site is no exception to this.

The large crowds were a huge turn off and it made it really hard to enjoy our visit, but we are still glad that we took the time to see such an amazing site. We know a large amount of controversy surrounds the warriors.

Many questions are asked, such as how it is that they were only discovered in 1974? We couldn’t help but let our minds wander around these types of questions, but despite this, it is an amazing site and definitely an intriguing experience that you shouldn’t miss on a visit to China.

Being able to view the Terracotta Army so closely gives you a fantastic look at how unique this site is. You will read about the detail that each warrior possesses, that each one is unique and said to be crafted after the very people that made up the emperors army before his death.

This is not an exaggeration, as we got closer to the displays it was glaringly obvious that each one was an individual.

Terracotta Army Warriors China

The form of the warriors you see today is of the reconstructed terracotta. You don’t see any of the bright paint they are said to have been painted with or the wood sheds that were built around them.

There is evidence of looting from the years and also arson. There is no doubt that they had been discovered many years prior and attempts to destroy them were made. I think this just adds to the mystery that surrounds them.

In my opinion, this makes for a great discussion with your fellow travelers after a visit.

Of course, I couldn’t help but snap a few hundred photos during our visit and I wanted to put some of my favorites together for you to enjoy.

The lighting conditions for photography in the pits is very challenging, but we did luck out with a bright day, so that helped a little but was a great day for not only visiting the warriors, but practicing my skills behind the camera as well.

Terracotta Army Warriors China

~New discoveries in Pit 2~Terracotta Army Warriors China

~Terracotta generals in Pit 3 ~Terracotta Army Warriors China

~Horses in Pit 3~Terracotta Army Warriors China

~Pit 3, our favorite group of warriors ~Terracotta Army Warriors China

~Warriors in Pit 1 ~Terracotta Army Warriors China

~A close up look at some beautiful artistry ~Terracotta Army Warriors China

~ Look at that amazing detail, each warrior is unique ~Terracotta Army Warriors China

~ Back view of Pit 1 ~Terracotta Army Warriors China

~ Warriors, prepared to defend their Emperor ~Terracotta Army Warriors China Divergent Travelers

~ David capturing the warriors on film from the back of Pit 1 ~Terracotta Army Warriors China

~Rear of Pit 1 with newly marked warriors ~Terracotta Army Warriors China

~Close up look at one of the warriors that shows some of the paint that they wore ~Terracotta Army Warriors China

Visiting the Terracotta Army site in Xi’an was a highlight of our travels in China.  Despite the crowds, rumors, speculation and commercialism at the site, it’s still easy to let your mind wrap around the mystery while it consumes you on your walk through the pits.

Have you visited the Terracotta Army near Xi’an?

More on China:

  • 16 Unmissable Things to Do in Beijing
  • Should I Rent A Scooter in Yangshuo China
  • Food Adventure on the Streets of Beijing
  • Rock Climbing 101 in Yangshuo China
  • Top 5 Things To Do in China
  • We Were Giant Panda Volunteers in China
  • Hiking the Rice Terraces in Guilin
  • How To Apply For A China Tourist Visa in Kuala Lumpur
  • Walking the Great Wall of China: Best Routes & Tips
  • 21 Spectacular Things to Do in Hong Kong
  • The Perfect Blend of Things to Do in Macau
  • How to Travel Tibet: Everything You Need to Know
  • RTW Recap: 8 Days in Tibet

Did you like this story? Share it!

Article by Lina Stock

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents.

Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

8shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Trip Planning Resources

TRAVEL GEAR & PACKING
Check out our packing lists and  travel gear guide to ensure you’re bringing the right items on your trip.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Ready to fly? We use Skyscanner to compare prices and book flights. You should also check out our tips for finding cheap flights.

CAR RENTAL
We use Discover Cars to compare car prices, find deals and book rentals.

FIND ACCOMMODATION
Compare prices and book with our custom-built hotel search engine. You should also check out our tips for finding cheap accommodation.

TRY OUT AIRBNB
Get a discount with AirBNB and learn how to maximize your savings with up to $100 in discounts.

PROTECT YOUR TRIP
Don’t forget your travel insurance! Protect your investment and yourself. Read Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

Divergent Travelers - Adventure Travel Blog

Disclosure: In accordance with FTC guidelines, we disclose that we may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Some posts might be sponsored to support this blog.
Divergent Travelers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jens says

    September 26, 2014 at 5:04 AM

    Fascinating and breathtaking site. Realizing that this is only a small part of the mausoleum complex makes this whole complex even more marvellous. Your essay and these brilliant photos definitely succeed capturing the atmosphere. Thanks a lot for sharing this nice feature. Xian’s definitely high up on my list.

    Best,
    Jens

    Reply
    • Lina says

      September 26, 2014 at 10:37 AM

      It is a huge complex, even with what they allow you to see. I think there is much more that hasn’t even been excavated too. Glad you enjoyed the post and photos.

      Reply
      • Jens says

        September 26, 2014 at 10:55 AM

        Acoording to historical sources, there’s definitely much more not excavated yet. The whole mausoleum itself must be incredible judging by the description of Sima Qian. Local authorities and colleagues still hesitate to excavate the chamber due to preservation considerations – which is understandable of course. But I’m really looking forward how this site develops.

        Reply
  2. Victor says

    September 25, 2014 at 11:26 PM

    This is my dream. It is pity you can’t go down and walk among warriors.

    Reply
    • Lina says

      September 26, 2014 at 10:35 AM

      Yea they don’t let you get too close to them. But a good zoom lens is a must to get great photos of them! It’s an interesting site worth visiting in China.

      Reply
  3. Louise Otten says

    September 16, 2014 at 8:12 AM

    Yup…amazing

    Reply
  4. andrew says

    September 16, 2014 at 4:12 AM

    I am planning a trip to China for this winter and the warriors are definitely on my list. You’ve peaked my interest, so why do you think they were only discovered in 1974?

    Reply
    • Lina says

      September 16, 2014 at 12:55 PM

      They are worth a visit. I don’t believe they were found in 1974 originally. However, 1974 is when they were ‘rediscovered’ and then introduced to the World.

      Reply
  5. Tavis Grotenhuis says

    September 15, 2014 at 9:16 PM

    I have. I like xian, but enjoyed the mountains more. And shanghai! Did you read about happened on Koh Tao? I love that island.

    Reply
  6. Donna Amphlett says

    September 15, 2014 at 4:11 PM

    Definitely on my bucket list…

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hello & Welcome to Divergent Travelers

Divergent Travelers - Adventure Travel Blog

We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. We’ve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. You can learn more about us here.

Looking for something?

Latest Posts

  • What to Do in Kanab, Utah (Attractions, Hiking, Canyons & More)
  • 13 Fabulous Things to Do in Crystal River, FL (Itinerary & Attractions)
  • What To Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand (18 Amazing Attractions, Festivals & Food)
  • How to Plan the Ultimate Alaska Bear Camp Adventure in Lake Clark National Park
  • 24 Amazing Malaysia Attractions You Cannot Miss

Divergent Travelers

About · Blog · Press · Contact
Privacy Policy · Disclosure · Terms

CONNECT WITH US!

© 2021 Copyright · All Rights Reserved · Divergent Travel Media, LLC