The Terracotta Army are the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shi Huang the First Emperor of China. The terracotta figures, dating from 210 BCE, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China near the Mausouleum of the First Qin Emperor.The figures vary in height (183–195 cm - 6ft–6ft 5in), according to their role, the tallest being the generals. The figures include strong warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. Current estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits.

According to the historian Sima Qian (145-90 BCE) construction of this mausoleum began in 246 BCE and involved 7,000 workers. Qin Shi Huang was thirteen when construction began. Sima Qian, in his most famous work, Shiji, completed a century after the mausoleum completion, wrote that the First Emperor was buried with palaces, scenic towers, officials, valuable utensils and 'wonderful objects,' with 100 rivers fashioned in mercury and above this heavenly bodies below which he wrote were 'the features of the earth.'

• Army of Terracotta Warriors
• Qinyong Museum

Getting There&Away

The easiest way to get to the warriors is to take an Eastern tour from Xian. It is worthwhile having a tour guide talk you through the site as the stories that accompany the warriors are particularly interesting. Alternately, you can take the Green Bus from the Bell Tower in Xian which covers the major sites in the east. There is no tour guide on this bus however; or you could take bus No. 306, 307 at the gateway of the railway station to get there. (To Huaqing Pool on the way)

Hotels in Xi‘an Lintong

Huaqing Aegean International Hot Springs Resort & Spa 4-star

Huaqing Aegean International Hot Springs Resort & Spa (Huaqing Aiqinhai Guoji Wenquan Jiudian) is situated in Lintong District. Hot springs, exquisite environment and the view of Li Mountain are the hotel's specialties.

The hot springs are connected with Huaqing Pool, which is regarded as one of the best hot springs in China.

Opened 2006 Address: 8 Shangu Avenue (Shangu Dadao), Lin Tong Xi'an China Number of rooms: 127

Dynasty Hotel

Xian's Dynasty Hotel is located 30 minutes by car from the airport and 10 minutes from the city center and the railway station.The hotel offers modern amenities and two restaurants that serve Chinese and Western cuisine.

Additional facilities include a business center, shopping arcade, ticket-reservation center, karaoke, sauna, beauty salon, in-house clinic, fitness center and outdoor swimming pool.

Opened 1990 Decorated in 2003 Address: 55 West Huancheng Road Xi'an China Number of rooms: 181