Key archaeological findings over five decades

2. Bronze chariots and horses: In 1978, archaeologists found two large-scale painted bronze model chariots and horses to the west of the giant mound above the main grave of the emperor. They were put in a wooden coffin but crushed into pieces when discovered. Luckily, their components are still complete which took scholars eight years to restore. The bronze chariots and horses are modeled after the actual shape of real chariots. Although the size is half of the real, it meticulously simulates the intricate details of the original. Previously discovered chariots were made of wood and had decayed by the time of excavation. The discovery of the bronze chariots allows people to see a replica of ancient imperial chariots.

They are one of the earliest, largest and best preserved bronze chariots and horses ever discovered in China, providing an important reference for scholars when studying metallurgical operations and bronze manufacturing technology of Qin's time.