Qinshihuang Ling

Qinshihuang Ling is the mausoleum complex of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, located in Lintong District, Shaanxi province. The site is internationally significant for the life-sized terracotta figures found in several burial pits and for the large funerary necropolis associated with the emperor.

The best-known feature is the terracotta army - thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots unearthed in multiple pits. The figures are arranged in formation in at least three major excavated pits, with the largest assembly displayed in Pit 1; a museum and visitor complex presents in-situ excavations and conserved finds.

Construction of the mausoleum began in the late third century BCE during the reign of Qin Shi Huang and continued after his death in 210 BCE to create a large funerary complex intended to accompany the emperor in the afterlife. The terracotta figures were discovered by farmers in 1974 and excavation and conservation have continued since then.

The mausoleum complex sits about 35 kilometres east of Xi’an on the Guanzhong Plain. The archaeological zone covers a large necropolis area surrounding the central burial mound.

• Discovery and status: Discovered by local farmers in 1974, the terracotta figures form part of the funerary complex for China's first emperor and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Location relative to Xi'an: The mausoleum complex lies roughly 35 kilometres east of central Xi'an and is accessible by road from the city for day visits.

What to See #

• Pit 1: Pit 1 is the largest excavated trench and contains the biggest assembled group of life-sized terracotta infantry and chariot figures on display to visitors.
• Pit 2: Pit 2 contains formations of mixed troops, cavalry, and chariot units arranged in ranks; it is larger in plan but more complex in composition than Pit 1.
• Pit 3: Pit 3 is a smaller, enclosed pit interpreted as a command or officer area and contains higher-status figures and fewer intact ranks.
• Museum and visitor complex: The on-site museum and visitor complex houses finds, explanatory displays, and conservation areas where fragments are studied and conserved for display.