This website uses modern construction techniques, which may not render correctly in your old browser.
We recommend updating your browser for the best online experience.

Visit browsehappy.com to help you select an upgrade.

Skip to Content

West of Beijing is Xian, location of Emperor Qin’s extraordinary Terracotta Warriors and Horses. With a history dating back to 1000 BC, Xian was once the starting point of the Silk Road. With a well-preserved City Wall, Bell and Drum Tower built during the Ming Dynasty; it is the discovery by peasants digging for a well in 1974 that thrust this Chinese city into the limelight for having one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century.

Associated with the Qin Dynasty that ruled between 211 and 206 BC, the museum that has been built on the site covers an area of 16,300 square metres and has uncovered and restored over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots and weapons. For something unique consider cycling atop Xian’s medieval city walls before a trip out to see the warriors.