Xi'an Hosts Exhibition Marking 50 Years Since Terracotta Warriors Discovery

An exhibition began on Sunday at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. This event marks the 50th anniversary of discovering and excavating China's renowned Terracotta Warriors.

The exhibition showcases 230 cultural relics, significantly enhancing the museum's original display. According to China Central Television (CCTV), many of these items are being presented to the public for the first time. The collection highlights major achievements from five decades of excavation and research.

Ye Ye, Deputy Head of the Exhibition Department, stated, "The two terracotta figures of acrobats were just repaired by our cultural relic restoration experts, and are presented to visitors at the exhibition for the first time. The acrobat figures are very vivid, displaying different postures. They serve as valuable research materials for our research on the court entertainments, the dress culture, and the acrobatics of Qin Dynasty."

The exhibition is divided into eight categories, offering insights into Emperor Qinshihuang's life, his mausoleum, and the royal garden. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the era during which Emperor Qinshihuang ruled the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC).

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. Since then, around 2,000 life-size clay warriors and numerous weapons have been unearthed from three pits surrounding Qinshihuang's tomb. These discoveries span an area exceeding 20,000 square meters.

Extensive Discoveries

Over 50 years of excavation and research have revealed more than 10 above-ground building sites and over 500 underground burial pits and tombs within the mausoleum complex. This extensive work has provided invaluable insights into ancient Chinese history and culture.

The exhibition not only commemorates past achievements but also serves as a platform for ongoing research and discovery. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with China's rich historical heritage through these meticulously preserved artifacts.

The event underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage while continuing to explore new facets of ancient civilizations. As visitors explore these relics, they gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate history that shaped modern China.

With inputs from WAM