Terracotta Warriors Damaged: Tourist Incident in China
- A visitor to the famed Terracotta Army in Xi'an, China, damaged two of the ancient clay figures, authorities reported Saturday.
- According to public security officials, the individual "climbed over the guardrail and the protective net and jumped" into the pit where the terracotta army is displayed.
- The man,who officials said "suffer[s] from mental illness," was quickly apprehended by security personnel after he "pushed and pulled" at the clay warriors.
A shocking incident at China’s Terracotta Army site saw a tourist damage two ancient warriors, a devastating event at this UNESCO World Heritage site. The 30-year-old man,reportedly suffering from mental illness,breached security and vandalized the ancient figures,prompting immediate apprehension and an ongoing investigation. The extent of the damage is under assessment, and the incident has sent ripples of concern through the historical preservation community. This reckless act, which occured at the site of China’s first emperor’s tomb, a major tourist attraction, highlights the vulnerability of these priceless artifacts. News Directory 3 has been following this breaking story, as authorities work to understand the full impact and plan for restoration. Discover what’s next for this iconic piece of history.
Tourist Vandalism Damages Terracotta Army Warriors
Updated May 31, 2025
A visitor to the famed Terracotta Army in Xi’an, China, damaged two of the ancient clay figures, authorities reported Saturday. The 30-year-old tourist reportedly jumped over a security barrier at the museum on Friday.
According to public security officials, the individual “climbed over the guardrail and the protective net and jumped” into the pit where the terracotta army is displayed. The pit is nearly 18 feet deep, according to the museum’s website.
The man,who officials said “suffer[s] from mental illness,” was quickly apprehended by security personnel after he “pushed and pulled” at the clay warriors. The extent of the damage to the terracotta army is still being assessed as the case remains under investigation.
The Terracotta army, consisting of approximately 8,000 figures, dates back to around 209 BC. It was constructed to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor and stands as a significant symbol of ancient Chinese military power and artistry. The site, located in shaanxi province, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site as 1987 and remains a major tourist attraction.
A museum worker confirmed Saturday that the display is open to the public despite the incident.
What’s next
The investigation into the incident continues, and authorities will determine the full extent of the damage to the ancient terracotta army warriors and assess necessary restoration efforts.