How the Terracotta Warriors were Made | Terracotta Army in Xian

Three Steps to Make Terracotta Warriors

There were usually three steps for ancient potters to make terracotta warriors. Firstly, make the models of every part of soldiers respectively. These models include bodies, ears, eyes, noses, hair, arms, hands, legs, feet and so on. Secondly, put these models together with ropes or glue. Thirdly, paint them. The same steps also applied to a Terracotta horse.

It is a pity that there is no color on most terracotta soldiers or horses now. In fact, they were colorful at the moment they were unearthed. However, after only a few seconds the colors faded badly due to the oxidation. This is one of reasons why archaeologist stopped unearthing more terracotta army.

Xian Terracotta Warriors

Xian Terracotta Warriors

Recommended Xian Tours:

3 Days Xi'an Essence Tour: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall & Tang Dynasty Everbright CityXi'an Highlights Day Tour: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter

How to Make Models of Terracotta Soldiers and Horses

Qin Shihuang set up Xianyang, the capital of his country, on the Loess Plateau. So, the local loess became the best material to make his terracotta army.

Firstly, the potters mixed the loess with water and quartz sand, and then mold the models of every part of soldiers. When the models were ok, they would carve the features on head models, clothes on body models, shoes on foot models, and fingers on hand models. All the models were carved by hand. Even the most skillful potters could not carve two same models. So, almost every terracotta soldier looks different with each other. The only same feature of these soldiers is that they are all brave.

After the carving works were finished, these models would be dried in the shade. And then these models were fired in kilns, where the temperature could reach 1000 Celsius degrees.

Lastly, the potters assembled these models into terracotta soldiers with glue or ropes. Archaeologists found some ropes at the joints between some broken terracotta soldiers’ ears and heads.

Xian Terracotta Warriors

Mini Terracotta Warriors in Xian

How to Paint Terracotta Soldiers

There was no technology to produce ceramic glaze over 2000 years ago. So, in order to paint terracotta soldiers, handicrafts needed to daub a certain kind of slime on the surface of the models of the soldiers before firing them.

Soft green, scarlet red, soft purple, and light blue were the most-used colors for Terracotta solders, because these colors could make the army look stronger. The armors, clothes, and shoes were usually painted in the same color. It was more complicated to paint the skin. In order to make the skin of terracotta solders looks like a real human being’s, potters needed to paint three layers of colors, which were brown, white, and pink.

Scientists analyzed the ingredients of these colors and found most colors were refined from minerals. The green was refined from malachite, red from cinnabar, blue from blue copper, brown form brown iron, white from white lead, black from amorphous carbons, and purple from the mixture of blue copper and miniumite. It is amazing to see people has developed the technology to mess-produce these pigments 2000 years ago.

An interesting fact is that there was not restriction in colors of clothes. We can see various colors on both normal soldiers and military officials. The historians think it is because Qin Shihuang had not made the rules about clothing. Qin Shihuang died at the age of 49. He spent most his life fighting against other states, so probably, he did not have time to make the rules of clothing.

How to Make Terracotta Horses

The processes of making terracotta horses were almost the same as making terracotta soldiers. However, the potters needed to spend more time on the carving works, because compared to terracotta soldiers, there were more bare parts of horses. Potters had to pay more attention to the muscle on the horses’ belly and legs. Besides, all the horses look like whinnying and running, so their teeth needed to be carved clearly and their horsehair needed to be carved in the shape of being whipped by the wind.

The weight of a terracotta horse was around 245 kilograms, nearly two times heavier than a soldier, so potters needed a brace when assembling a horse. And the order of assembling is feet, legs, body, neck, head, and tail.

There were two types of terracotta horses, one type was used to draw the chariots, and the other type was for the cavalrymen. Cavalrymen’s horses had stronger muscle and legs than the chariot horses. Besides, Cavalrymen’s horses had exquisite saddle.

DIY Terracotta Warriors

Terracotta Warriors in Xian

How to Plan Your Xian Tours with Terracotta Warriors?

Most travelers typically spend 2 to 3 days exploring the classic attractions of Xi'an and enjoying an enchanting night of Tang Dynasty culture before venturing out for another 2 days or more of travel. For a more in-depth exploration, we recommend spending 4 to 5 days in Xi'an. This will allow you to uncover hidden cultural gems and appreciate them at a more leisurely pace, making your trip even more memorable.

2 Days in Xian:

Attractions include: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Terracotta Warriors and Horses, and the Hanyangling. Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City show.

On day one, explore the city's rich history and culture by visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, and Muslim Quarter. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by visiting the Great Mosque and sampling delicious street food. In the evening, witness the spectacular Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City performance, a dazzling show that brings the Tang Dynasty to life through music, dance, and stunning costumes.

On day two, travel back in time to the ancient world by visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Hanyangling. Marvel at the intricate details and historical significance of these world-renowned attractions.

Recommended Itinerary: 2 Days Xi'an Historical Tour: Terracotta Warriors and Hanyangling Museums

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3 Days in Xian:

Attractions include: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Terracotta Warriors and Horses, and Shaanxi History Museum. Try on a Hanfu.

On day one, arrive and take a leisurely evening stroll to soak up the atmosphere and get a feel for the city's charm.

On day two, delve into the history and culture of Xi'an by visiting the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Ancient City Wall, and the bustling Muslim Quarter. In the evening, be mesmerized by the spectacular Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City performance, a dazzling show that brings the Tang Dynasty to life through music, dance, and stunning costumes.

On day three, explore the rich heritage of Xi'an further by visiting the Shaanxi History Museum, where you can learn about the city's impressive past. Then, head to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a magnificent structure that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. To truly immerse yourself in the ancient culture of Xi'an, try on a Hanfu, traditional Chinese dress, and take a trip back in time.

Recommended Itinerary: 3 Days Xi'an Essence Tour: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall & Tang Dynasty Everbright City

One Day in Xian:

Attractions include: Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Terracotta Warriors and Horses.

If you only have one day to spend in Xi'an, make the most of it by visiting the city's top attractions. Start your day by exploring the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a stunning archaeological site that is a must-see for any visitor to Xi'an.

Afterwards, head to the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China, and take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along its ramparts. From there, wander through the lively Muslim Quarter, where you can sample delicious street food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the vibrant local culture.

Recommended Itinerary: Xi'an Highlights Day Tour: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter

Read more about: Xian Itineraries | How to Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Xian >>

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Discover Xian with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Based in China, with our office conveniently located in Xi'an, the local team at Asia Odyssey Travel is dedicated to providing exceptional service to ensure an unforgettable experience for those who visit this historic city. We offer a variety of carefully designed Xi'an tours, including Classic Xi'an Tours, Terracotta Warriors Tours, Day Tours, and Mount Huashan Tours, tailored to meet your needs and desires. Whether you prefer a private tour with a flexible itinerary or a small group tour without compromising on quality, Asia Odyssey Travel has the perfect tour for you, ensuring that your journey to Xi'an is a worry-free vacation.

If you're looking to extend your stay in Xi'an into a longer vacation, Asia Odyssey Travel also offers a range of inspiring ideas through our China tours from Xi'an. Our professional travel consultants are ready to assist you in customizing a tailor-made Xi'an Tour at the best local price. Don't hesitate to contact us to start planning your dream trip to Xi'an today!