China’s Terracotta Warriors Damaged After Tourist Jumps Into Display Pit

Two of the famous clay terracotta warriors in Xi’an, China, suffered damage after a domestic tourist jumped into the protected area of the Terracotta Army Museum on Friday. The 30-year-old man “climbed over the guardrail and the protective net” before leaping into one of the pits where the terracotta warriors stand.

The life-sized figures were constructed over two thousand years ago for the purpose of guarding the tomb of the first emperor of China.

China officials say terracotta warrior statues were pushed and pulled by accused tourist

Public security officials in China have said the tourist “pushed and pulled” the terracotta warriors, causing damage to two of them. He was immediately restrained by security personnel. The man, whose name has not yet been released, is known to suffer from a mental illness, officials have said. The case is under investigation.

On the afternoon of May 30, an incident involving tourist vandalism occurred at the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province.
A middle-aged man jumped into Pit No. 3 of the excavation site, resulting in damage to at least two Terracotta Warrior statues. The… pic.twitter.com/rqznkyKWJi

— China in Pictures (@tongbingxue) May 30, 2025

The museum’s website states that the pit where the incident took place is about 5.4 meters (18 feet) deep.

Terracotta Army a major archaeological discovery

The Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974 by local farmers, consists of more than 8,000 clay soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation.

The figures were constructed around 209 BC so that they could “guard” the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. Each statue is unique, with distinct facial features, hairstyles, and armor, representing a massive artistic and military achievement from ancient China.

UNESCO site draws millions of visitors

The site is located in Xi’an, the capital of the province of Shaanxi in northern China. Since its discovery, the Terracotta Army has become one of China’s most visited cultural landmarks, attracting millions of tourists each year.

In 1987, UNESCO designated the mausoleum and the Terracotta Army as a World Heritage site, recognizing its global significance and historical value. The army is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century and a lasting symbol of China’s imperial past.

Museum remains open despite damage done to China’s terracotta warriors by tourist

Despite the incident, museum operations remain unaffected. A museum employee told AFP on Saturday that the exhibit remains open as usual, and visitors may continue to view the warriors. However, access to certain sections may temporarily be restricted while assessments and repairs are underway.

— On May 30, in Xi’an, Shaanxi province of People’s Republic of China, a tourist fell into the Terracotta Warriors Pit 3 and smashed some of the warriors. pic.twitter.com/WDZVg0Qtvx

— TrendScope – Latest trends on X (@TrendsIntel) May 31, 2025

The incident raises concerns over site security

Incidents involving damage to cultural relics in China are rare, especially at high-security sites such as the Terracotta Army Museum, where surveillance and physical barriers are in place to protect the artifacts. The latest breach by the tourist has raised questions as to  security measures and public access at sensitive heritage locations.

Authorities have not released further details in relation to the extent of the damage or scheduled restoration work.