Tourist's Foolish Act at Xi'an's Terracotta Army
Tourist vandalizes two Terracotta Warriors at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in China
A foolish act by a Chinese tourist has caused damage to two ancient clay warriors from China's famed Terracotta Army. On May 29, 2025, this careless 30-year-old tourist decided to take a leap into Pit No. 3 at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, disregarding the guardrails and protective nets. Once inside, the man inappropriately handled several warriors, causing varying degrees of damage before being tackled by security[1][3].
This shocking incident was captured on video footage, showing the suspect lying amidst the broken warriors. Authorities suspect the individual may be suffering from a mental illness, although the case is still under investigation[1]. The display reopened to visitors on Saturday following the incident[1].
Unfortunately, this isn't the first time the Terracotta Army has been subjected to such disrespectful treatment. In 2017, another individual snatched a thumb off a terracotta warrior at the Franklin Museum in Philadelphia, eventually pleading guilty to the crime.
The Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974, is a massive collection of military sculptures representing over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers produced for the protection of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, in the afterlife. The museum houses these unique artworks and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
Each warrior is meticulously crafted based on exact measurements reflecting their military ranks, with generals standing taller than soldiers[2]. In 2022, archaeologists discovered twenty new warriors near Emperor Qin Shi Huang's secret tomb[2].
Enrichment Data:
Recent Incident
- Incident Description: On May 29, 2025, a 30-year-old domestic Chinese tourist damaged two terracotta warriors at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in Xi'an, China. The man, reportedly suffering from mental illness, climbed over a fence and jumped into the restricted Pit No. 3, a pit 18 feet deep. Once inside, he pushed and pulled several warriors, damaging two of them to varying degrees[1][3].
- Investigation and Response: The incident was quickly responded to by security, who detained the individual. The case is currently under investigation, with the museum remaining open to visitors[1][3].
Previous Incidents
- 2017 Philadelphia Incident: In 2017, a man in Philadelphia damaged a terracotta warrior by snapping off a finger while viewing the statues at the Franklin Institute. The man was later found guilty and expressed willingness to compensate for the damage by selling his sneaker collection[1].
General Information
- Terracotta Army: The Terracotta Army is one of China's most significant archaeological discoveries, comprising over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers created around 210 BCE to accompany the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife[1][3]. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and is located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province[2].
- Significance: The Terracotta Army is a symbol of ancient Chinese artistic and military sophistication, attracting millions of visitors each year[2]. Occasionally, some pieces are loaned to international museums for exhibitions[1].
A visit to Xi'an's Terracotta Army could be an enriching part of a traveler's lifestyle, offering insights into China's history and art. Unfortunately, careless or disrespectful actions, such as the recent incident in 2025, can cause irreparable damage to these precious artifacts, reminding us of the importance of responsible museum visits. In 2017, a similar incident occurred at the Franklin Museum in Philadelphia, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to protect these priceless sculptures.
