Incident at the Terracotta Army Museum
On May 30, 2025, a 30-year-old Chinese tourist, surnamed Sun, breached security at the Terracotta Army Museum in Xi’an by climbing over a guardrail and protective netting. He then jumped into a pit housing the ancient statues, approximately 5.4 meters (18 feet) deep. Once inside, Sun reportedly “pushed and pulled” two terracotta warrior statues, causing them to sustain varying degrees of damage. Security personnel swiftly intervened, restraining him until authorities arrived.
Authorities’ Response
Public security officials have stated that Sun suffers from mental health issues. He is currently under investigation for the incident. The museum has confirmed that, despite the damage, the Terracotta Army exhibit remains open to the public.
Significance of the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army, consisting of over 8,000 life-sized statues, was constructed around 209 BC to accompany China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and is one of China’s most significant archaeological discoveries.
Previous Incidents
This event recalls a similar incident in 2017, when an American tourist, Michael Rohana, stole a thumb from a Terracotta Warrior statue during an exhibition in Pennsylvania. The statue was valued at $4.5 million, highlighting the high value and importance of these artifacts.
Conclusion
The damage to the Terracotta Warriors underscores the need for stringent security measures at cultural heritage sites. While the museum continues to operate, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of ancient artifacts and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
