Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Parking Lot

"UNESCO World Heritage The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi (260-210 BCE), unified China into a single political entity. He standardized scripts; weights, measures, and coins throughout the territory, and roads, fortifications, and major defensive walls were built during his reign. However, the most impressive and megalomaniacal architectural project that the emperor ordered was his own extensive burial complex. Since ancient times the Chinese people have believed in life after death and in the worship of their ancestors. The tombs of emperors and high officials were designed to replicate their life on Earth. Everyday utensils, bronzes for the cult of the ancestors, musical instruments, wives courtesans, and members of the court were often buried with the deceased to ensure a safe passage. According to the records of the second-century B.C.E historian Sima Qian, the mausoleum is a miniature representation of the universe. The 8,000 life size soldiers (sometimes accompanied by horses) of the famous terracotta army were modeled on human figures and are holding real swords and spears in order to guard the emperor's necropolis. Each soldier has been given a unique facial expression, creating a realistic impression of individuality. To make them appear even more authentic, weapons, clothes, and hairstyles vary from one soldier to the next. This vast terracotta army testifies to the absolute power and great ambitions of the first emperor of China."