Terracotta Army

Lintong, China

The ranks of life-size warriors at Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum remain Xi’an’s essential archaeological experience. Start with the scale of the main excavation, then look closely at faces, armour and the differences between figures. The smaller pits help explain the army’s composition beyond the familiar massed infantry view. This is a substantial excursion to Lintong, outside the central city. Arrange transport and admission ahead, and consider a specialist guide to put the excavations in context.