based on material from China Tourism Magazine Monthly by National Tourism Administration of China

Half-excavated Terra-cotta Horse Warriors and Horses Arranged in Neat Formation

Watching these life-like terracotta warriors, many visitors cannot help touching them. Ronald Reagon, former president of the United States, and Nancy Reagan went down to the pit when they visited the museum in April 1984. Reagan was full of praise for the terracotta horses and said jokingly "would it kick me? as he patted one. People find it hard to believe that the art of sculpture already reached such a high level in the Qin period 22 centuries ago. Some scholars' analyses agree that the art of carving the Qin figurines was developed on the basis of ancient culture infused with artistic styles from different areas and ethnic groups. Reflecting the vigor, boldness and simplicity of a realistic style, the art is a hallmark of the development and perfection of the Qins' traditional sculpture. The 6,000 terracotta warriors and horses are arranged in neat formation in Pit No. 1. The first three rows consist of warriors clad in war robes facing the east. They are followed by 38 columns each consisting of warriors, horses and chariots and also facing the east. The north and south corridors each contain a row of figurines in war robes, facing the north or the south. The west corridor houses three rows of warriors, one row facing the west and the other two rows facing the east. The format shows that the three rows of warriors in the front form the vanguard while the 38 columns are the main force of the phalanx. The warriors in the north, south and west corridors serve as the outpost troops. This imposing phalanx, which impresses viewers with its mighty force, provides a glimpse of the Qin army in destroying all rival states and unifying China.

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