Shaanxi, Cradle of Chinese Civilization

This replica is originally unearthed from the Bronze Chariots and Horses Pit in the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang in Xi'an. It is a single-shaft chariot with two large wheels and powered by four mighty horses. The rectangular cabin is surrounded by short sidings and has a wide-open entry door at the rear. A charioteer standing under a long-handled parasol inside. The chariot is equipped with weapons, including a shield and arrows, indicating it was a typical “liche” (立車).

With a rich collection of cultural heritage, Shaanxi is considered as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. Terracotta Warriors are just one of the ancient treasures. Known as “Qin”, Shaanxi is where over 2000 years ago the Qin people established the first unified dynasty in China. After half a millennium of fragmentation during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States period, King Ying Zheng of Qin united the other six rival states and established the Qin dynasty.

Naming himself the “First Emperor Emperor”, Qin Shihuang grasped the reins of power, put all authority under control of the emperor and instituted a centralized and systematic officialdom. He named “Three Senior Statesmen and Nine Ministers (三公九卿)” as key government officials who assisted him to administrate of the national affairs. Meanwhile, the opening of Ling Canal and the annexing of Lingnan brought the Central Plains administration into the southern regions.

Image 1: Terracotta general is the highest-ranking warrior yet uncovered at the Terracotta Army Pits. On the excavated chariots ridden by them, debris remains of bronze yongzhong bells and drums were discovered, indicating their role as a commander during the military operations.

Image 2: Terracotta kneeling archer wore a battle coat, body armour and square-fronted shoes. Hands of them were positioned as if holding a crossbow. The kneeling ones would take a central position within the formation, surrounded by standing archers.

Image 3: Terracotta kneeling musician wore a soft cap and socks without shoes. He carried a small pouch around his waist. It is believed this musician was striking a musical instrument like drum, zhong or ging, possibly as part of a ritual to domesticate water birds.

Policies of unified currency, weights and measures were implemented by Qin Shihuang. In terms of currency, the Qin banliang, a round coin with a square hole in the centre, was minted by the state uniformly. To standardise the units of weights and measures, Qin Shihuang issued an edict to stipulate the use of standard measuring instruments produced by the state nationwide. Emperor Wu of Han reclaimed the minting authority towards the central to drive economic development.

Iron ploughs and oxen were already used in farming as far back as the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States periods. Han dynasty farmers improved the farming tools and techniques, boosting the yields of cultivated land significantly. In addition, with an emphasis on water works, the area of farmland continued to increase and the variety of products expanded. Raising poultry and livestock, as well as cultivating land formed an important economic group in the country.

Image 1 & 2: Battle garments and details such as saddles were drawn on these painted cavalry figurines and their steeds. The cavalry soldiers each wore a crossed-collar short coat with armour worn over tight pants. Soldiers' balled fists were originally holding weapons or horse reins.

Image 3: Pottery goats. During the Eastern Han dynasty, the manor economy boomed. Run by wealthy landlords, manors were specialised in agriculture which engaged in animal husbandry, handicraft, brewing, food storage and processing operations, as a self-sufficient social economy.

Promulgating orders to ban classics, burn ancient books as well as bury over 460 literati and alchemists alive remained controversial. To strengthen the rule, Qin Shihuang abolished the local writing scripts of the six conquered states and established Qin's “small seal script” as standard. The writing standardisation programme not only ensured understanding and implementation of imperial decrees, it also enhanced administrative efficiency and promoted a cultural identity.

To fortify the northern frontiers, Qin Shihuang built the Great Wall.Development of transport promoted exchanges with the Western Regions. Emperor Wu of Han sent Zhang Qian on two diplomatic missions and opened up routes to the West. Endless streams of envoys and merchants span across Europe and Asia, promoting exchanges of merchandise and cultures between the East and the West. Silk was the top Han export, followed by bronze mirrors and lacquerware.

Image 1: The vivid tripod is an imitation-bronze ritual object commonly seen from the Warring States period to the early Western Han dynasty. It is also used as funerary objects for burial.

Image 2: By the Western Han dynasty, cavalry had become a major combat force, tasked with charging and breaking enemy ranks. These naked cavalry figurines were likely originally dressed in battle coats, with wooden arms attached to their shoulders, and mounted on wooden horses.

Image 3: In times of war, the painted cocoon-shaped pottery vessel was buried in the earth, transforming into an acoustic instrument to detect the distant thunder of cavalry hooves.

Without visiting the Terracotta Warriors, why on earth was I here? Back in 2021, the 14th National Games of China took place in Shaanxi. This multi-sports event was organised during the pandemic. To minimize the risk of contamination, athletes, officials as well as journalists needed to comply with the “closed-loop management”. Accommodation, catering and other essential services were provided in athlete village, technical official village and media village.

Besides undergoing a COVID-19 test every 72 hours, all the participants were isolated from the outside. Movement was restricted, with participants allowed to move between Games-related venues via the transportation system. From the opening ceremony in the Xi'an Olympic Center Stadium to the Qinling International Golf Club. From Invengo Gymnasium to the marathon in the Xi'an City Wall. Not to mention the tradition biangbiang noodles (𰻞𰻞麵) served everyday.