Exploring Xi’an, China: The TERRACOTTA ARMY & the Great Mosque | China Series Ep. 9

In this episode of the China Series, we spend two days in the historic city of Xi’an, China. We explore the amazing Terracotta Army museum, wander through the Muslim quarter, and tour the Great Mosque of Xi’an.

THIS EPISODE WAS FILMED IN FEBRUARY 2018.

Xi’an is a city that is full of history. Because of its position in China, it was a major trade hub along the Silk Road. Traders from all parts of the Silk Road – Europe, the Middle East, & India – came and sold their wares in Xi’an’s markets. 

Many influences from all of these cultures blending together are still seen in the city today, like the Great Mosque of Xi’an, which is a house of worship for the many Muslims of Xi’an. 

Of course, you can’t talk about history in Xi’an, China without mentioning the Terracotta Army, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many people don’t know that the Terracotta Warriors was only discovered as recently as 1974 and has been slowly excavated since then. 

The museum that houses what has been excavated so far of the Terracotta Army is absolutely massive. The biggest building, called Pit 1, is the size of an airplane hanger. It is Pit 1 that houses all of the soldiers that you see in pictures, as many of the soldiers have been meticulously put back together by the archaeologists. 

The Terracotta Army museum can be incredibly crowded, so try to avoid peak hours so that you don’t have to elbow your way through a crowd to get a decent picture. 

So alongside the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army is a must-see site for any trip to China.