15 MYSTERIOUS Discoveries in China
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00:00Hey everyone, today we're unveiling the top 15 most mysterious discoveries in China. Let's start with number 15, Wan Ming Wan.
00:08Wan Ming Wan, also known as the Old Summer Palaces in northwest of Beijing, and it's a vast complex of
00:15palaces and gardens that was built in the 18th and 19th centuries.
00:18Wan Ming Wan, which translates to Garden of the Perfect Brightness,
00:22was a place known for its stunning beauty and a unique blend of Chinese and Western styles.
00:28Work on it began during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor and was expanded by his successors.
00:32The Qianlong Emperor, in particular, took a keen interest in the development of the palace,
00:37transforming it into a masterpiece of landscape design. This complex covered an area of around
00:42860 acres and included hundreds of buildings, artificial lakes, hills, and a large collection of art. While primarily a royal retreat,
00:50it was also designed to be a repository of countless cultural and artistic treasures.
00:54The palace housed an extensive collection of paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and other artifacts, many of which were unique masterpieces.
01:02Wan Ming Wan, though, wouldn't last for long, and in 1860, during the Second Opium War,
01:08British and French troops looted and burned the palace in retaliation for the mistreatment of their envoys.
01:13Its destruction was a significant cultural loss, and it's remembered as a symbol of foreign aggression and humiliation in Chinese history.
01:21Today, much of Wan Ming Wan has been recovered, and researchers are often discovering new, long-forgotten buildings and artifacts in the grounds.
01:28It's a hugely important cultural and historical site, and attracts visitors from all over to get a glimpse of what it must have once been like.
01:37Number 14. The Oracle Bones.
01:40The Oracle Bones are some of the earliest known forms of Chinese writing, and can be traced all the way back to the ancient
01:46Shang Dynasty that ruled between around 1600 to 1046 BCE.
01:51These artifacts, usually made from the flat undersides of turtle shells or the shoulder blades of oxen, were used for divination purposes.
01:59What's most important, though, is that the inscriptions on the bones are among the earliest examples of Chinese script, making them invaluable to historians.
02:07The use of Oracle Bones for divination involved a highly ritualized process.
02:12Diviners would write questions on the bones or shells, often about a matter of state, warfare, agriculture, or even royal family matters.
02:19These questions were typically directed to royal ancestors or deities, seeking guidance or predictions.
02:25And then the diviners would then apply heat to the bones using a hot rod until they cracked.
02:30The patterns of the resulting cracks were interpreted as answers from the spirits, and these interpretations were often inscribed on the bones alongside the original questions.
02:40The bones, therefore, provide a huge amount of information about the political, social, and religious practices of the Shang Dynasty.
02:46They reveal, for example, that the Shang kings were deeply concerned with agricultural success, military campaigns, and even their health and well-being.
02:54The study of the Oracle Bones script has provided linguists with some crucial insights into the evolution of Chinese characters,
03:01shedding light on how they transformed from simple pictographs to the more abstract forms used in later periods.
03:07The discovery of these Oracle Bones in the late 19th and early 20th was a significant breakthrough.
03:12For centuries, these bones had been unearthed by farmers who ground them into a powder believed to have medicinal properties.
03:18The largest collection of them was found at the site of Yin, the last capital of the Shang Dynasty, near modern-day Anyang in Hainan Province.
03:27Number 13. Jinxia.
03:30Jinxia is an archaeological site in the western suburbs of Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
03:35It was discovered in 2001. Jinxia has provided some insights into the ancient Shu civilization,
03:40which thrived during the late Shang and early western Zhou periods, around 3,000 years ago.
03:45The sites uncovered a number of artifacts and remains that have dramatically reshaped our understanding of the early Chinese history and culture.
03:52The discovery was completely accidental.
03:55Construction workers unearthed the site while digging for a real estate development, revealing a buried treasure trove of artifacts, including gold,
04:02jade, bronze, ivory, and stone objects.
04:06Among the most important finds were a gold foil sunbird,
04:09which has become an iconic symbol of Jinxia, and a collection of intricately crafted jade pieces.
04:14The sunbird in particular is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship,
04:18representing the advanced metallurgical skills of the Shu people.
04:22Excavations here have revealed large-scale settlements with distinct functional areas, including a residential zone, ceremonial center, and burial grounds.
04:30The religious and cosmological aspects of Jinxia are clear to see in the artifacts.
04:35Many objects, such as the bronze standing figures, suggest a society deeply engaged in ritual practices and nature worship.
04:42The importance of solar motifs in their art shows a reverence for the Sun, which likely played a central role in their religious beliefs.
04:49Today, the Jinxia site museum on the excavation site preserves these incredible artifacts.
04:55It continues to be a focal point for archaeological research, providing ongoing insights into the mysterious and rich heritage of the ancient Sichuan.
05:04Number 12. The Longmen Grottoes.
05:07The Longmen Grottoes, located near Luoyang in Henan Province, are one of the most impressive collections of Chinese Buddhist art, and an
05:14incredible example of early Chinese rock carving.
05:17Carved into the cliffs along the banks of the Yi River, these grottoes, also known as the Longmen Caves, house tens of thousands of
05:24Buddhist statues, carvings, and inscriptions, showcasing a level of artistry during various dynastic periods.
05:30The construction of the grottoes began around 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei Dynasty, a time when Buddhism was flourishing in China.
05:38These grottoes stretch for almost a mile and contain more than 2,300 caves and niches, over a thousand Buddhist images,
05:46approximately 2,800 inscriptions, and 60 pagodas.
05:49The carvings range from tiny statuettes, measuring just a few inches, to enormous figures over 56 feet or 17 meters tall,
05:57with an impressive variety.
05:59One particular note is the Fengjian Temple, which is a large open-air shrine created during the Tang Dynasty,
06:04under the patronage of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian.
06:09The centerpiece is a colossal statue of Arocana Buddha,
06:13which is a figure with a serene and dignified expression, is seen as a masterpiece of Tang sculpture.
06:18The inscriptions found in the caves offer valuable data on various topics, including the names of donors, religious practices, and historical events.
06:27These inscriptions are crucial for historians studying the evolution of Buddhism in China and the societal structures of the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties.
06:35Even though the site has suffered damage over the centuries from natural erosion, human neglect, and looting, the longmen grottoes remain remarkably well preserved.
06:44Efforts have been made to protect it and restore this UNESCO World Heritage Site,
06:48ensuring its cultural and historical treasures are safeguarded for future generations.
06:54Number 11. The Lingku Canal
06:56The Lingku Canal is one of the world's oldest canals, and it can be found in the Jing'an County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
07:04First built during the Qin Dynasty in 214 BCE,
07:07the main idea was for it to enable the transportation of military supplies during the unification of China under Emperor Qi Xinhuang.
07:15The canal connects the Zhuang River, which flows into the Yangtze, with the Li River, a tributary of the Pearl River,
07:21creating a crucial link between two of China's most significant rivers.
07:25The canal's around 22 miles or about 36 kilometers long, and the completion of it was an incredible feat for its time,
07:31and incorporates unique design with a combination of man-made channels and natural waterways,
07:36featuring sluice gates, dams, and locks to control the water flow.
07:40Probably the cleverest thing about the canal is the use of a Feiluan Dam system,
07:45which allows for the management of water levels and the movement of boats across different sections of the canal.
07:50This water management system not only made navigation possible, but it also contributed to the irrigation of surrounding farmlands.
07:57It had huge effects in the development of the country by strengthening the military and economic control of the Qin Dynasty over southern China.
08:05It was also important to in the subsequent consolidation of power by the Qin and later dynasties,
08:10and it aided in the integration and development of southern territories.
08:15Number 10. The Bells of Marquis Zhe of Zheng.
08:18The Bells of Marquis Yi of Zheng are often referred to as the Zhenghui Bells,
08:23a fascinating discovery that has taught us about the music, culture, and technological achievements of the Warring States period between 475 and 221 BCE.
08:34Unearthed in 1978, the bells form part of a grand set of bronze musical instruments.
08:40The discovery was a remarkable find for several reasons. The tomb itself, dating back to around 433 BCE,
08:46belonged to a lesser-known Marquis of the State of Zheng, which was a small entity during the Warring States period.
08:52The tomb contained a huge number of artifacts, including weapons, ritual vessels, and lacquerware,
08:57but it was the set of 65 bronze bells that captured the most attention.
09:01These bells are organized into three sets. The larger are cattle bells, the smaller or clapperless bells,
09:08and the ones known as bianzhong or chime of bells.
09:12The largest bell weighs over 440 pounds or 200 kilograms, while the smallest weighs just a few pounds.
09:18Each bell can produce two distinct pitches depending on where it's struck,
09:22allowing for a total of 120 different notes, and this dual tone capability is unique to the shape and precise casting of these bells.
09:29The bells were likely used in court rituals and ceremonies, reflecting their importance in the social and political life of the period,
09:36and music played a critical role in ancient Chinese statecraft and religious practices too, often seen as a means of communication with the divine.
09:44The bells' designs, including dragons and phoenix imagery, further stress their ritualistic significance and the high status of the marquis.
09:52Today, the bells are housed in the Hubei Provincial Museum, where they remain a centerpiece of the Chinese cultural heritage.
09:58The bells are played occasionally during special exhibitions, allowing people to experience their beautiful tones firsthand.
10:06Number 9. The Mogao Caves.
10:09The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, are the network of Buddhist cave temples located in the Gansu Province.
10:18The caves were first carved 1,600 years ago and continued to be developed through to the 14th century,
10:23during which time they evolved into a major pilgrimage site.
10:27The origins of the caves are shrouded in myth and legend.
10:30According to tradition, a monk named Li Xun had a vision of a thousand Buddhas bathed in golden light,
10:37inspiring him to begin carving the first cave in 366 CE.
10:41This began the tradition of cave excavation.
10:44They were carved into the cliffs of the Mingxia Mountains, creating a sanctuary for the monks, pilgrims, and artisans who wanted to express their devotion.
10:52The caves are made up of 492 cells and cave sanctuaries, covering a wide variety of sizes and designs.
10:59The murals here cover almost half a million square feet, or over 45,000 square meters,
11:04and depict scenes from the life of the Buddha, Jataka tales, various bodhisattvas, and intricate mandalas.
11:11Early caves display the influence of Indian and Central Asian art, with their flowing lines and expressive figures.
11:18As Chinese Buddhism developed, the art evolved to incorporate more distinctly Chinese elements.
11:23The Tang Dynasty was a golden age for the Mogao Caves, with an explosion of artistic activity that produced some of the most exquisite murals and sculptures.
11:32One of the most important discoveries here at these caves,
11:34however, was the Library Cave, which was sealed in the 11th century, and it was rediscovered in 1900 by a Taoist monk.
11:42Inside, researchers found tens of thousands of manuscripts, printed texts, and silk paintings,
11:48many of which are now housed in museums and libraries around the world.
11:51These documents, which include Buddhist scriptures, historical records, literature, and various other texts,
11:56provide incredible insights into the religious, cultural, and history of the region.
12:028. The Banpo Neolithic Village
12:05The Banpo Neolithic Village, which is near Xi'an in the Shanxi Province, is a hugely important site from the Neolithic period,
12:12dating back to around 6,000 or 7,000 years ago.
12:15Discovered in 1953, Banpo provides an amazing look at early human settlement and culture in China,
12:22from the lifestyles to the technological advancements, even the social structures of one of the earliest agrarian societies.
12:29The site covers an area of about 530,000 square feet, or about 50,000 square meters, and includes residential, communal, and burial areas.
12:38Excavations have revealed artifacts and structural remnants that give a good idea of the daily life and organization of its residents.
12:45The residential areas got around 45 semi-subterranean houses arranged in a circular pattern around a central communal space.
12:53The roofs were likely made of thatch or reeds supported by wooden beams,
12:57and this design provided insulation against cold in winter, and it kept the interiors cool in the summer.
13:02The village also had a network of trenches that directed rainwater away from the houses, preventing flooding and erosion.
13:08And this is an early example of urban planning. It shows the ingenuity of the Banpo people.
13:13Agriculture, too, was hugely important in their society, and the villagers cultivated millet as their primary crop, which was a staple of their diet.
13:21Evidence of domesticated animals such as pigs, dogs, and chickens has also been found, indicating a mixed farming economy.
13:29Banpo is really famous for its pottery, which includes both functional and decorative pieces.
13:33The pottery has intricate painted designs, often featuring geometric patterns, animals, and human figures.
13:39Pottery items such as bowls, jars, and cooking vessels were not only functional,
13:44but also served as a medium for cultural expression and communication.
13:48The discovery of this place has had a large impact on the study of Chinese prehistory.
13:53It's provided a comprehensive view of Neolithic life, highlighting the transition from nomadic hunting gathering to settled farming communities.
14:02Today, the site is preserved as the Banpo Museum, which was opened in 1958, and it houses many of the artifacts uncovered during excavations.
14:11Moving on to number seven, the Shenshengdui Ruins.
14:15The Shenshengdui Ruins, located in Guanggan City in the Sichuan Province, was unearthed in the 1980s,
14:22and have dramatically changed our understanding of ancient Chinese culture and civilization,
14:26revealing the existence of a highly developed and sophisticated culture that flourished around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.
14:34The discovery of Shenshengdui was purely by chance, and before then, no one knew it existed.
14:39In 1929, a farmer accidentally unearthed a cache of jade artifacts while repairing an irrigation ditch.
14:46It wasn't until the 1980s, though, that full excavations began, leading to the discovery of two pits filled with an astonishing array of artifacts,
14:53including bronze, jade, gold, and pottery.
14:56One of the most important aspects of the ruins is the quality of the craftsmanship of the bronze artifacts.
15:02The bronzes are large and have intricate designs featuring human figures, animals, and fantastic creatures.
15:08Among the most famous pieces is an eight and a half foot or 2.6 meter tall bronze tree with birds and flowers
15:14that's believed to be a representation of a cosmological tree.
15:18Another amazing find is the large bronze heads with exaggerated facial features, including prominent eyes, ears, and mouths.
15:25These heads, some of which are life-size, have a stylized and almost surreal aesthetic
15:30that's very different from the Shang Dynasty bronzes found in the Yellow River Basin.
15:34The discovery of large quantities of jade, a material highly valued in ancient China, indicates their wealth and status and their well-connected trade networks.
15:43Gold artifacts, though less common, have been found too, with the most unusual being a gold scepter and gold mask.
15:49Today, the Shenqingdui site is preserved and showcased in a museum, which was opened in 1997.
15:54The museum houses most of the artifacts discovered at the site and serves as a center for ongoing research.
16:01Number six, Zhao He.
16:03Zhao He is an ancient ruined city that's in the Uyghur Autonomous Region and is one of the most interesting archaeological sites along the Silk Road.
16:11Built along the Yarnas River about 6.2 miles to the west of the modern city of Turpan,
16:16Zhao He thrived from the 2nd century BCE until its abandonment in the 14th century.
16:22Its history dates back to the early Han Dynasty, when it served as the capital of the Jushi Kingdom,
16:27one of many small states that were in the region.
16:30Zhao He later became a significant garrison town under the Tang Dynasty and continued to thrive as a key part of the network for
16:36trade routes that made up the Silk Road.
16:38Its layout is unique among ancient cities. Built on a naturally fortified plateau,
16:43the city's divided by a central avenue that runs from north to south, with residential areas, administrative buildings, temples, and markets arranged.
16:51They were constructed using a technique called rammed earth, where layers of earth were compacted to form walls,
16:57which is a method that's well suited to the dry climate in the region.
17:00The city was home to a variety of religious communities, including Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and Christians,
17:06and that diversity can be seen in the number of temples and monasteries that have been excavated at this site.
17:11The presence of these religious structures proves that Zhao He was a melting pot of cultures and a center of religious activity.
17:18The decline began in the late Tang Dynasty as a result of invasions and changing trade routes.
17:23By the time the Mongol invasions in the 13th century, the city had already begun to lose its significance,
17:28and it was eventually abandoned in the 14th century.
17:31Now, Zhao He is a well-preserved archaeological site, offering insights into the life and architecture of ancient Silk Road cities.
17:38In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Zhao He was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
17:45This site is now a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to explore its ancient streets and
17:51imagine the bustling lives of those who live there.
17:55Number five, the Xi'an Bell Tower.
17:58The Xi'an Bell Tower, which is a historical landmark in the Shanxi Province, was first built in 1384 during the early Ming Dynasty.
18:05Since then, the structure has witnessed centuries of change.
18:08Its location in the heart of Xi'an, where the four main streets converge, shows how historically significant it's been as a center of urban planning.
18:16The construction of the bell tower was ordered by Emperor Zhu Wanzhong, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
18:22Its function was vital to maintaining order and security within this city.
18:26The bell tower would be rung at dawn, while nearby drum tower, built around the same time, would mark dusk,
18:32establishing a daily rhythm for the city's inhabitants.
18:35Architecturally, it's a great example of Ming Dynasty design. The structure stands on a square base, measuring 116 feet or 35 meters on each side.
18:43The tower itself rises to a height of 118 feet or about 36 meters, making an imposing presence in the city.
18:50The interior of the bell tower houses a large bronze bell, which was cast in the early 15th century.
18:56This bell, weighing over six tons, was used to mark the hours and signal events.
19:00Over the centuries, the bell tower has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its integrity.
19:06The most significant one happened in 1953, when the Chinese government undertook extensive repairs to restore the tower to its former glory.
19:18Ancient cultures around the world had a surprisingly advanced understanding of the motion of objects in the heavens above us,
19:24and the people who lived in China were no different.
19:27The Taozi Observatory, located in the Shanxi Province, is one of the oldest known observatories in the world.
19:33The observatory was part of the Taozi site of the Longshan culture, and its discovery has provided valuable insights into the early development of
19:40astronomical knowledge here.
19:42The site was first discovered in 1970, but it wasn't until later excavations that the true significance of the observatory was realized.
19:49The site includes a large circular structure with an outer diameter of around 197 feet or 60 meters.
19:56This structure is made up of three concentric circles of rammed earth, with a series of standing stones and post holes
20:02that show where wooden pillars once stood.
20:04The observatory is oriented so it aligns with the sunrise and sunset during the summer and winter solstices,
20:10and this precise alignment would have allowed ancient astronomers to track the changing seasons.
20:14The ability to predict solstices and equinoxes would have given the rulers and priests at Taozi
20:20significant control over agricultural cycles and religious ceremonies.
20:24The presence of the observatory here highlights the advanced understanding of astronomy possessed by the people of the Longshan culture,
20:31and the ability to integrate this knowledge into their daily lives.
20:34In addition, the site has produced a number of artifacts that provide a broader picture of their culture.
20:39These include pottery, jade, and bone tools, as well as evidence of complex societal structures and advanced craftsmanship.
20:46The site continues to be a focus of research and study, as archaeologists and historians work to uncover more details about the people who
20:53built and use this remarkable place.
20:56Number three, the Yinshu Ruins.
20:59The Yinshu Ruins, which are near the modern city of Anyang in the Hainan Province,
21:04are all that's left of Yin, the last capital of the Shang Dynasty, which ruled from approximately 600 to 1046 BCE.
21:12Yinshu, meaning ruins of Yin, offer a glimpse into the early Chinese civilization.
21:17The site was first discovered in the late 19th century, but archaeological excavations only really began in the 1920s,
21:23which would then reveal the extent and richness of the site.
21:27Covering an area of around 11.5 square miles, it includes palaces, temples, royal tombs, and residential neighborhoods.
21:34One of the most remarkable findings here is the evidence of an early form of Chinese writing,
21:39which is the oldest known Chinese writing system and a precursor to modern Chinese characters.
21:44Yinshu has also become famous for its impressive royal tombs, particularly the tomb of Fu Hao, a queen and military leader.
21:51Discovered in 1976, Fu Hao's tomb was found intact, containing a wide array of burial goods,
21:57including bronze vessels, jade, ornaments, and weapons.
22:01These artifacts reflect the wealth and power of the Shang rulers and their complex practices.
22:06The bronze objects, in particular, demonstrate advanced metallurgical skills and artistic achievements.
22:12They, of course, wouldn't have been extremely valuable, and given an idea of their beliefs when it came to the afterlife,
22:17would them the need for wealth and weaponry to be close by for them to be able to take with them.
22:22The architecture of the wider site shows a high level of urban planning and construction techniques.
22:28It includes the remnants of large palace complexes, with the foundations showing the use of rammed earth and wooden structures,
22:35typical of ancient Chinese architecture.
22:37Now, along with its historical and cultural importance, Yinshu is also dated to our understanding of ancient Chinese astronomy and calendar systems.
22:45Inscriptions include references to celestial events, such as solar eclipses, which were meticulously recorded and used to develop an early calendar.
22:53Today, the ruins are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it continues to be a focus of archaeological research.
23:00The museum located nearby houses many of the artifacts found at the site, and it provides educational exhibits about the Shang Dynasty
23:07and its contributions to Chinese civilization.
23:10Number 2. The Daming Palace
23:13The Daming Palace, which is in the city of Xi'an in the Shaanxi Province,
23:18was the imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty, and it served as the political heart of China during one of its most prosperous eras.
23:25Covering an area of over 1.2 square miles,
23:28it was the largest palace complex in the world at the time, being even larger than the famous Forbidden City in Beijing.
23:34The construction began in 634 during the reign of Emperor Taizong, and was initially intended as a summer palace.
23:41However, it was completed under his successor, Emperor Gaozong, and soon became the primary residence of the Tang emperors.
23:48The palace was made up of numerous halls, pavilions, gardens, and courtyards, showcasing the architectural techniques and aesthetic of the Tang Dynasty.
23:57The most significant buildings here included the Hanwan Hall, where emperors held court and conducted state affairs,
24:03the Zhuanzheng Hall, where daily governmental activities took place, and the Zichen Hall, which served as the emperor's private residence.
24:11Hanwan Hall is the most imposing structure in the complex.
24:14This was the site of important ceremonies, including New Year celebrations and the reception of foreign dignitaries.
24:20Its features, such as the wide stone staircase and the massive bronze pillars, were designed to convey the strength and stability of the Tang State.
24:27The palace gardens, with their artificial lakes, rockeries, and lush greenery, were masterpieces of landscape architecture, too,
24:34showing the dynasty's commitment to cultural intellectual pursuits.
24:38The palace also played a critical role in the administration of cultural life, and it was not the only political nerve center,
24:43but it was a place of cultural exchange and innovation.
24:47The Tang Dynasty is often regarded as a golden age Chinese civilization, marked by significant advancements in poetry, painting, and technology,
24:55and the palace witnessed the flourishing of these arts.
24:58The Daming Palace did face destruction and decline in the centuries following the Tang Dynasty, however, and it was eventually abandoned and fell into ruins.
25:06Extensive excavations in the 20th and 21st centuries have, though, unearthed substantial remnants of the palace complex,
25:12providing invaluable insights into its original layout. Today, the site of the palace has been turned into a heritage park,
25:18preserving the ruins and offering a glimpse into the past. The park features reconstruction sections of the palace, museums, and interactive exhibits,
25:26which allow you to explore the history and culture of this dynasty.
25:30Number 1. The Terracotta Army
25:33Possibly the most famous archaeological discovery that's ever been made in China,
25:37but still one of the most mysterious, is the Terracotta Army.
25:41It's an enormous collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China,
25:48and they were all buried with him around 2,200 years ago.
25:52The discovery of it was purely by accident, when in 1974, local farmers digging a well unearthed fragments of these terracotta figures,
26:01which led to an extensive archaeological excavation.
26:04What emerged from these efforts was an astonishing underground complex covering approximately
26:10215,000 square feet, or 20,000 square meters. The site included three main pits, containing more than 8,000 soldiers,
26:18130 chariots, and 670 horses, each life-sized and individually crafted with distinct features and details.
26:26The figures were originally painted in bright colors, though
26:29much of the paint has faded over time, and despite this, the craftsmanship of these warriors remains clear,
26:34showcasing advanced artistic and technical skills of the artisans of this dynasty.
26:39Each figure was originally equipped with real weapons, including swords, spears, and crossbows, many of which have been preserved.
26:47The complex also includes the emperor's tomb, which remains unexcavated due to concerns about preserving its contents.
26:53But further excavation hasn't begun yet for fear of causing irreparable damage to what would undoubtedly be the greatest historical site ever.
27:01Beyond being mere artwork, it also provides insights into the military organization,
27:06technological advancements, and cultural practices of the Qin dynasty.
27:10The figures reflect a hierarchical structure of the military, with distinct units of infantry, cavalry archers, and charioteers,
27:17mirroring the organization of a real army.
27:19The discovery of it also reveals the power and influence of Qin Shi Huang,
27:24who unified China and laid the foundations for the imperial system that would dominate Chinese history for the next 2,000 years.
27:31Today, the Terracotta Army is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's one of China's most popular tourist attractions.
27:37The site's been transformed into a museum complex, where visitors can view the excavated pits and the restored figures.
27:45Thanks for watching everyone. I'll see you next time.
27:47Thank you to our channel members.