The Terracotta Army: Eternal Legion of the Ages

Friday, August 4, 2023

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses, also known as "兵马俑" (Bīng Mǎ Yǒng) in Chinese, is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the world. Located near the ancient city of Xi'an in Shaanxi province, China, this awe-inspiring site has captured the imaginations of people worldwide. Let's delve into the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of this remarkable ancient army.

The Pronunciation of "兵马俑" (Bīng Mǎ Yǒng): To pronounce "兵马俑" correctly, follow these steps:

兵 (Bīng): Pronounce the "b" sound, similar to "be," and add the "ing" sound, as in "ing" in "sing."

马 (): Pronounce the "m" sound, similar to "ma" in "mama," and add the "a" sound, as in "a" in "car."

俑 (Yǒng): Pronounce the "y" sound, similar to "y" in "yes," and add the "ong" sound, similar to "ong" in "song."

Historical Significance

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses were created during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. The army of life-sized terracotta soldiers, chariots, and horses was buried underground to protect the emperor in the afterlife. The discovery of this archaeological wonder in 1974 unveiled the ancient craftsmanship and military prowess of the Qin Dynasty.

Local Delicacies

After exploring the magnificent Terracotta Warriors and Horses, treat yourself to Xi'an's local delicacies. Some must-try dishes include 西安肉夹馍 (xī ān ròu jiá mó) Xi'an Roujiamo, a flavorful Chinese burger filled with tender meat, and 羊肉泡馍 (yánɡ ròu pào mó) Yangrou Paomo , a hearty mutton soup served with crumbled wheat flatbread.

Cultural Heritage and Tourism

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses attract millions of visitors annually. This archaeological wonder offers a unique opportunity to experience China's rich history and immerse oneself in the grandeur of ancient civilization. The site has become an integral part of Xi'an's cultural identity and has contributed significantly to the city's tourism industry.

Key Sentences:

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses are a symbol of China's ancient military prowess. 
兵马俑是中国古代军事力量的象征。
Bīng Mǎ Yǒng shì Zhōngguó gǔdài jūnshì lìliàng de xiàngzhēng

I was amazed by the life-sized terracotta soldiers during my visit to Xi'an. 
我在参观西安时被那些栩栩如生的兵马俑所震撼。
Wǒ zài cānguān Xī'ān shí bèi nàxiē xǔxǔ rúshēng de Bīng Mǎ Yǒng suǒ zhènhàn

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses offer a fascinating glimpse into China's rich history. 
兵马俑向我们展示了中国丰富历史的迷人一面。
Bīng Mǎ Yǒng xiàng wǒmen zhǎnshìle Zhōngguó fēngfù lìshǐ de mírén yīmiàn

Sign up for a free trial now!

FAQ / Tips

Our students come from a wide range of ages, from 3 years old to over 80 years old. Our courses are tailored to each student's age and proficiency level to ensure they can receive maximum benefit and progress. Whether you want to learn Chinese as a second language or improve your existing Chinese skills, we can provide you with courses and resources that are suitable for you
Our instructors are highly skilled and experienced experts in Chinese language teaching, with proficiency in multiple languages. They hold at least a bachelor's degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, and possess extensive teaching experience and knowledge. Through a rigorous selection process and ongoing training, our instructors are equipped to provide students with authentic pronunciation, accurate language usage, and cultural background knowledge, all of which are essential for achieving mastery of the Chinese language.
Thank you for choosing Chinese Learning for your language learning needs.If you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, please do so at least 4 hours ahead of time. To request a cancellation, please send an email to ivy.wang @chineselearning.com or service @chineselearning.com.We appreciate your cooperation and understanding, and we look forward to providing you with the best learning experience possible."
Before starting any Chinese language course, the teacher will assess your Chinese language proficiency level through a placement test.This helps to determine your current level of understanding and ability in Chinese, and allows the teacher to tailor the course materials and teaching methods to your specific needs and goals. The placement test may include assessments of your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.Based on the results of the test, the teacher will be able to recommend an appropriate course of study for you.
Certainly, we offer a complimentary 30 - minute trial lesson for you to experience our services before committing to a purchase.This will allow you to gain a better understanding of our qualified tutors, innovative teaching methods, comprehensive class materials, and more.We are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and ensuring your satisfaction with our courses.
Yes, our website offers courses in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters. You can choose the character set that you want to learn based on your personal preference or learning goals.Our courses are designed to accommodate learners of all levels and backgrounds, so whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, we have resources that can help you improve your Chinese language skills.