Terra-Cotta Soldiers of the First Emperor of China | 秦始皇兵马俑

Sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, this collection of life-sized terra-cotta soldier statues was discovered in the burial ground of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Each statue is unique, with its own hairstyle, facial expression, uniform, and gear. The soldiers were meant to serve the emperor in the afterlife, alongside terra-cotta chariots, horses, and weapons. Currently there are three pits excavated, but many parts of the mausoleum are still protected for fear that the air will disintegrate the works. Still, seeing six thousand unique statues assembled in one pit is definitely worth the two-hour drive from the city.