Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition Hall of Terracotta Army

The Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition Hall (铜车马博物馆) at the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum (秦始皇帝陵) was officially completed and opened to the public on May 18, 2021. The museum was constructed to improve the visitor experience and is part of the larger project to enhance the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum‘s display. This museum provides a focused space for showcasing the bronze chariots and horses and their historical context, allowing for a more rational and comprehensive interpretation of these priceless cultural relics.

After a three-year maintenance project, the Qin Mausoleum Bronze Chariots and Horses (秦陵铜车马) were moved to the museum and placed in display cases for public viewing. The two bronze chariots (铜车马) are now exhibited in their original excavation site and provide an immersive view into the Qin Dynasty’s technological achievements.

Historical Background

In December 1980, archaeologists uncovered two large painted bronze chariots and horses (彩绘铜车马) at a depth of 7.8 meters on the western side of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum (秦始皇帝陵). These chariots, horses, and their associated equipment were crafted entirely out of bronze, gold, and silver. The chariots are modeled on a half-scale to replicate the Qin Dynasty (秦朝) carriages and their design, structure, and appearance.

This discovery was a major archaeological breakthrough following the Terracotta Army (兵马俑) and provided insight into the technological expertise of the Qin Dynasty (秦朝). The chariots and horses were originally displayed in a nearby hall 1.5 kilometers from the excavation site, but the new museum now presents them much closer to their original discovery location.

In 2015, the painted bronze chariots (彩绘铜车马) were included in the “Important Ancient Chinese Technological Inventions” list due to their significance. The new museum, which opened in 2021, aims to give visitors a more authentic experience by presenting these artifacts in proximity to their discovery location.

Museum Construction

Construction of the Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum (铜车马博物馆) began on December 28, 2017, and the museum officially opened on May 18, 2021. The museum was built on the southwestern side of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum (秦始皇帝陵), with an area of approximately 8,000 square meters. The architectural design emphasizes blending the museum into the natural landscape, with the building’s roof incorporating green landscaping that aligns with the surrounding terrain. The museum is a single-story underground structure that allows visitors to walk through its exhibits in a spatially immersive experience.

Exhibit Layout

The museum is divided into five main areas:

  1. Preliminary Hall
    The Preliminary Hall introduces the discovery of the bronze chariots and horses, setting the stage for the more detailed exhibits that follow.

  2. First Exhibition Hall
    This section showcases the two Qin Bronze Chariots and Horses (秦铜车马), displaying their weapons, equipment, and other details such as decorations and functional structures.

  3. Second Exhibition Hall
    Here, visitors learn about the nature and purpose of the bronze chariots, as well as their design, sculptural artistry, color patterns, and casting technology. This hall provides an in-depth understanding of their historical, cultural, and scientific significance.

  4. Third Exhibition Hall
    The third hall includes three parts:

    • “Practical Shape”: An analysis of the chariots and the Qin Dynasty‘s horse-drawn vehicles.

    • “Conquering Difficulties”: The repair and restoration of the chariots.

    • Interactive Section: Here, visitors can engage in puzzle games, virtual reality carriage-driving, and other interactive exhibits.

  5. Interactive Zone
    The interactive zone extends the exhibit by allowing visitors to engage directly with archaeological restoration techniques, such as reassembling fragments of artifacts or participating in educational demonstrations about the ancient chariot culture. This provides a hands-on experience for visitors to learn about the cultural significance and preservation efforts behind the artifacts.

Social Significance

The completion of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum (秦始皇帝陵铜车马博物馆) has greatly enhanced the visitor experience by addressing the issues of overcrowding in the original exhibition hall. The museum offers a comprehensive presentation of the bronze chariots and horses and their historical journey from production to excavation to restoration. Visitors can better appreciate the scientific and historical value of these artifacts.

In addition to showcasing the artistic, scientific, and social importance of the Qin Dynasty’s bronze chariots (秦铜车马), the museum also plays an important role in the promotion of Shaanxi’s cultural heritage and the enhancement of global cultural tourism. By improving the layout of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum (秦始皇帝陵) and creating a safer, more accessible environment for visitors, the museum contributes significantly to the development of Shaanxi’s cultural and tourism industries.

Opening Hours

  • Location: The museum is located within the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Site Museum (秦始皇帝陵博物院) in Lishan Garden (丽山园), Xi’an (西安), Shaanxi Province (陕西省).

  • Opening Hours: The museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

  • Ticket Price: General admission is ¥120 (RMB), with additional charges for special exhibitions or guided tours.

  • Transportation: Visitors can access the museum by taking a bus from Xi’an Railway Station (西安火车站) or Bell Tower (钟楼) to the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum (秦始皇帝陵) area.

The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum (秦始皇帝陵铜车马博物馆) offers an invaluable window into the Qin Dynasty’s (秦朝) cultural and technological achievements. With its state-of-the-art exhibition halls and interactive displays, the museum provides a rich educational experience that allows visitors to understand the significance of the bronze chariots and their role in ancient Qin military culture. By showcasing these remarkable relics in their original context, the museum deepens our understanding of China’s ancient history and archaeological practices, making it an essential destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.