In ancient China, sculptors were a lowly class who were very rarely mentioned in history books. Chinese sculptures were mainly associated with religion and were commonly found in temples and mausoleums.

Undoubtedly the most famous Chinese sculptures are the Qin dynasty Terracotta Warrior in Xi'an. A total of 8, 000 terracotta warriors and horses were unearned in the 2,200 year old mausoleum of Qin Shihuang - the first Emperor of a united China. These terracotta figures of soldiers and horses are set to life-size dimensions. Standing tall, lifelike and mobilized for action, these warriors continue to faithfully guard their monarch, as they have done for over two millennia.

Chinese Buddha sculptures, reflecting Indian and Tibetan influences, initially looked imperious, mysterious and aloof. Gradually, the form evolved to reflect a more nativist Chinese style. Early examples from the 5th to 6th centuries are lean and elegant, and from the 7th to 8th centuries took a form that was plump, round and soft.

Compared with the West, there's a greater emphasis on clothing for Chinese character sculptures. Well-perserved samples of Buddhist - inspired sculptures remain in many temples, especially in the cave carvings of Yungang, Dunhuang, Longmen and Dazu.

The Terracotta Warrior
To visit Army of Terracotta Warriors is the main reason why you are here in Xian. The original site was found by a local farmer digging a well in 1974. Now it has turned into the most important attraction in Xian - Terracotta Warriors and Horse Museum. It is located about 50km east of the Xian City. The museum includes Pit 1, Pit 2 and Pit 3 as well the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. The Pit 1 is the largest of the three. To get there you may take a public bus from Xian Train Station Bus Terminal, or take a taxi or rent a car from a local tour company.

Three pits containing warriors are open, a nearby fourth pit was found empty. The pits are still being excavated and in many; warriors lay toppled as if they fell in combat. Shattered and headless status give the eerie sense of viewing the carnage of an ancient battlefield. Though a daunting task, archeologists continue to piece together the broken remains of those warriors who lost their battle against time.