Becomes one of the world historical heritages, Xian Terracotta Army attracts large number of tourists from all around the world to come to China. Besides Great Wall, here it is can be said is the second must visit place when visiting China, Terracotta Warriors.

Short Brief about Xian Terracotta Warriors
Terra Cotta Warriors

Local farmers while digging a well on their communal farm in Yang village in 1974 founded this small part of first emperor of China. Terracotta Warriors is a mausoleum complex of Qin Shi Huang Emperor (First emperor of China). It has covering a floor space of 22,000 square meters which consists of three main buildings, Pit 1, Pit 2 and Pit 3. There housing about 8,000 life-size terracotta figures of warriors together with 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses.

Terracotta Army built during 36 years with in total more than 700,000 laborers worked on the project. In order to protect emperor after life, Qin emperor built the tomb since he was young. The most magical thing is thousands of those terracotta sculptures have different facial expression, clothing, hairstyle, and gestures between one to another.

Because of its impressive architecture, Terracotta Army can be said is the world biggest archeological founding which also listed as one of the World Heritage by UNESCO.

Three Pits of Terracotta Army
Warriors in 3 Pits

There are three exhibition pits inside the mausoleum complex. Pits one where exhibits terracotta chariots and warriors cover 210 meters long, 62 meters wide and 4.5 to 6.5 meters high. It is believed to contain 6000 warriors (only 2000 are on display) and horses, all facing east and ready for battle. Pits Two where exhibits are crossbowmen, cavalry, infantry and chariots is 96 meters long, 84 meters wide and 5 meters high. There containing around 1300 warriors and horses. Pit 3 is 21.4 meters long, 17.6 meters wide and 5.3 meters high where contains 72 warriors and horses. It is the smaller pits in Terracotta Army and also believed to be the army headquarters.

How to get Terracotta Army?
The Army of Terracotta Warriors is easily reached by public bus. From the car park at Xian train station, take one of the green Terracotta Warriors minibuses or bus 306, both of which travel via Huaqing Hot Springs and the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Located little bit far from the downtown of Xian, it will be very convenient if you just book the tour online from local travel agency.

If you come to Xian, it is a must for visit Terracotta Army. Once you enter the complex, you will see thousand terracotta sculptures stand in to a battle formation. Strong sacred and mysterious atmosphere will attack, giving incredible feeling about ancient history of China.

Forbidden City has known as the Palace Museum, it located in the center of the city, Beijing, the capital of China. It has regarded as one of the architectural masterpieces in the world and also list as one of the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

History of Forbidden City
Forbidden City built began in 1406 in the reign of Ming Emperor Yongle and took 14 years to complete it. It was used as the palace where emperor and his family lived and handled court business. In 500 years, in total there are 24 emperors include 14 of the Ming and 10 of the Qing, ruled the country from there.

Structures of Forbidden City
Forbidden City in Winter

Situated in the total area of 72 hectares, the rectangular palace city has totally 8,707 rooms. It is divided into two parts, the Inner Court and Outer Court. The Inner Court was the place emperor lived with his family and the Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the country. At past, no one can enter the palace complex without emperor permission.

Almost all the rooftops in the Forbidden City are finished with yellow glazed tiles. This colour was chosen as, at the time, yellow was the official colour of the Chinese emperor. When you come to Forbidden City, you also can see each building’s roof is decorated with a line of small statues, with the importance of the building determining how many it featured. The highest number is ten for the emperor.

Three Great Halls inside Forbidden City
Main Palaces in Forbidden City

In Forbidden City, there are some important historical sites that you should not miss, include Hall of the Supreme Harmony, Hall of Middle Harmony and Hall of Preserving Harmony. Those 3 halls were known as the great hall, the heart of Forbidden City. Hall of Supreme Harmony is the most important and largest structures in the Forbidden City. It was used for ceremonial occasions, such as, emperor birthday, the nomination of military leaders and coronations.

Behind Hall of Supreme Harmony is the smaller Hall of Middle Harmony which was used as the emperor transit lounge. Here he would make last minute preparations, rehearse speeches and receive close ministers.

And the third hall called Hall of Preserving Harmony which was used for banquets and later for imperial examinations. Located in the Outer Palace or also called Front Palace, 3 famous great halls was the major important halls in the ancient times of China.

Transportation
1) Take the subway line 1 and get off at Tiananmen West or Tiananmen East station
2) Take Tourist Bus No. 1 or No. 5 and get off at Qianmen Station
3) By bus include many bus tour lines are able to reach Forbidden City