If you are considering taken a journey to China to see the amazing Terracotta Army, you will first need to obtain a valid United States passport. Without a passport you are not allowed to leave the country. Also, if your passport has recently expired you will have to get a US passport renewal before you will be allowed to travel. Anyone who is interested in visiting China should make sure that they have all of their passport needs taken care of before they begin to plan their vacation.
Passports
Passports are essential documents when it comes to international travel. Without a passport an individual cannot enter a foreign country or return to their country of origin. This is why it is so important that all US citizens obtain a passport before any travel. Because the need for international travel sometimes comes up unexpectedly it is recommended to get a passport before the need arises. However there are passport services that allow for rush passports.
Terracotta Army
The famous Terracotta Army in China is one of the most famous and intriguing tourist attractions in the entire country. The statues are in place to pay tribute to the armies of Qin Shi Huang who was the very first emperor of China. The tallest figures are generals, and other figures include horses, chariots, and warriors. Some estimates regarding figures suggest that there are over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses and about 150 cavalry horses. There are multiple pits in which these figures are buried. Other figures include strongmen, musicians, acrobats and officials.
Construction
There are four pits that contain the Terracotta Army. The first pit contains an army of about 6,000 figures and has eleven corridors. The second pit contains the cavalry and infantry units as well as many war chariots; it is believed to be a representative of a military guard. Pit three serves as the command post; it contains high ranking officers and features a war chariot. The fourth pit is empty; it appears to have been left unfinished. There are a large number of other pits that aided in composing the necropolis that have also been excavated.
Other Attractions
The Terracotta Army and other figures can be visited at the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Site Park which houses many of the Terracotta Army finds. It contains the major sites that have been discovered including the ritual sacrificial pits, the Museum of Terracotta Acrobatics, the Museum of Terracotta Civil Officials and the Museum of Stone Armour as well as the museum of Bronze Chariot and Horse.
China is a large country and offers many sites including The Great Wall of China; however the Terracotta Army is perhaps the most notorious site especially in regards to archaeology. It is a must see site when visiting China. So when planning your trip be sure to make time for a trip to Qin Shi Huang’s burial army. Make sure your American passport is up to date or apply for you us passport renewal in time to visit this ancient army and the tomb of the first Emperor of China.

















