Types of Terracotta Army

According to military ranks, the terracotta soldiers can be graded as normal soldiers and junior, intermediate, and senior officials. Normal soldiers can be divided into four types, infantries, cavalries, archers, and chariot soldiers.

These terracotta soldiers and officials have different army caps, weapons, armors, and faces. Besides, the officials are usually older than the normal soldiers. It is amazing to see the ancient sculptors were able to create these vivid masterworks over 2000 years ago.

Chariot Soldiers

The chariots soldiers are not the drivers. There are usually two soldiers standing on both sides of a chariot. A chariot soldier needs to hold the chariot tightly to keep balance by one hand, and hold a long weapon, such as a spear, axe, or halberd. Archaeologists found many long weapons beside chariots.

Usually, the soldier on the left side hold the chariot by his right hand and hold a weapon by his left hand, while the one on the right side does the opposite. The chariot soldiers usually wear armors and shin pads and must have their hair tied up.

Xian Terracotta Chariots Soldiers

Terracotta Warriors & Chariot

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Standing Archers

Standing archers are vulnerable, because in order to keep them light enough to focus on target, they wear neither armors nor helmets. Furthermore, they stand on the perimeter area of an archer’s formation. When being attacked, their bodies are the shield for the half-kneeling archers, who occupy the inside part of an archers’ formation.

According to an ancient document, there has been the standard operating procedure for standing archers. A standing archer’s feet should form a right angle, with the left foot pointing towards the target. His left hand should hold the bow like holding a branch, while his right hand should look like holding a baby when drawing the bow. This SOP is still in use nowadays.

Xian Terracotta Army

Terracotta Warriors

Half-Kneeling Archers

Half-Kneeling archers are more skillful than the standing archers, so they can occupy the inside part and get standing archer’s protection. A half-kneeling archer’s right knee touches the ground, while his left leg bends to form a right angle. Different from the standing archers, the half-kneeling archers are just holding bows, but not trying to shoot. The highlights of half-kneeling archers are the threads of their shoes. When sewing a shoe in ancient time, there were always visible threads on the soles. The best-preserved terracotta soldier unearthed so far is a half-kneeling archer, whose armor is red.

Infantries

The number of infantries is the largest among terracotta soldiers. The infantries are divided into robe infantry and armor infantry. The former usually stand on the premier area of the army, while the latter are hidden in the central part. Their average height is around 1.8 meters.

Cavalrymen

There are totally 116 pieces of terracotta cavalrymen unearthed in the Vault 1 and 2 of Terracotta Army Museum. Their armors and clothes are short, light, and tight to their bodies. A cavalryman holds his horse by one hand and hold a bow by the other hand. The cavalrymen usually have special missions, for instance, shooting enemy’s commander and deliver the latest information of war to other places. So, they must move very fast.

Qin Shihuang’s terracotta cavalrymen were the earliest cavalrymen in China’s history.

Chariot Drivers

Although the chariot drivers do not fight directly, they also play a key role in a war. Chariots are precious war tools. There is usually only one driver for a chariot. If the driver of a chariot gets injured or killed, both the chariot itself and the soldiers on the chariot are very likely to be captured. So, the chariot drivers usually wear heavy armors. Their hands are holding the reins of chariot horses.

Military Officials

The military officials are divided into generals and counsellors. They have the same height, but the generals are stronger than the counsellors. There are only less than 10 terracotta generals. Some of them wear armors, while some of them wear robes. They both have patterns of flowers on their chest. The more colorful the flowers are, the higher military ranks they have.

Although the counsellors look not so strong, they are also well built. It seems they can go to fight as long as Qin Shihuang asks them to do so.

Qin Shihuang’s terracotta cavalrymen were the earliest cavalrymen in China’s history.

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War Horses

Qin Shihuang’s Qin State was renowned for their war horse breeding industry. The terracotta war horses consist of Chariot Horses and Cavalry Horses.

Usually, there are four horses for every chariot. A chariot horse is 2.1 meters in length and 1.72 meters tall. A cavalry horse is also 1.72 meters tall, but their lengths vary. Generally speaking, the cavalry horses are stronger than the chariot horses. Archaeologists unearthed the fossils of real horses in the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang. Those fossils are almost in the same size with the terracotta horses.

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!