Terracotta Warriors: Defenders of China's First Emperor, an immersive exhibition of rare artifacts, can be seen now through August 26th at Discovery Times Square in New York City.
I was fortunate enough to personally see the Terracotta Warriors in their original location in Xian during a visit to China many years ago. The Terracotta Warriors are considered one of the most significant archaeological finds of all time and it is an exceptional experience to see these creations. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to see the Terracotta Warriors while they are here in the United States. This rare exhibit was created especially for display this summer in its Northeast U.S. debut and features authentic Terracotta Warriors, many artifacts that were buried with the warriors, items from Ancient China dating back to 221 BCE that have never been seen in the United States, and the world premiere of a set of gates from an ancient Han burial chamber.
Very few original Terracotta Warriors are allowed out of China at any given time, so this is your opportunity to see them up close and personal. In addition, this carefully curated exhibit includes items from sixteen major museums in China’s Shaanxi province, where the tomb is located. If you can’t get to China soon to see them there, be sure to get to this unique exhibition while it is available in New York.
The Terracotta Warriors, discovered accidentally by well diggers in 1974, were unearthed from the tomb of China’s Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, who built sections of the Great Wall of China, unified ancient China, and established a system of government that influenced China for more than 2,000 years. The warriors were buried in his tomb along with thousands of other artifacts needed to protect him in the afterlife. It is estimated that more than 1,000 artisans were needed to create the 8,000 individualized life-size warriors. Construction of the tomb began when the Emperor was only 13 years old and continued for nearly 40 years. According to historians, this feat involved more than 700,000 laborers.
To date, nearly 2,000 warriors and horses have been unearthed. Some of the most unique ones are featured in the exhibit now showing at Discovery Times Square, a partnership museum and exhibition center from the Discovery Channel. Discovery Times Square is located at 226 West 44th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenues, directly across from Shubert Alley. Discovery Times Square is open 7 days a week. Get there soon, as the exhibition is now in its final few weeks. This is one you won’t want to miss!
For tickets to Terracotta Warriors: Defenders of China's First Emperor, more information on the exhibit, and help planning your visit to Discovery Times Square see: http://www.discoverytsx.com/.
For more information on a recommended travel itinerary in China, including a visit to Xian to view the excavation site of the Terracotta Warriors, see the Destinations article on China at: http://www.theidealtrip.com/china.html.