Pit 2 of China's ancient terra cotta warriors in Xi'an, will
suspend operations for about five months to make way for a major
roof renovation. The pit is scheduled to close on November 1 and
may open again to the public around May Day holidays next year.
A terra cotta warrior and
horse from Pit 2 in this undated photo. Pit 2 of China's ancient
terra cotta warriors in Xi'an, will suspend operations starting
Nov. 1, for about five months to make way for a major roof
renovation.
The overhaul of Pit 2 came in light of the worsening condition
of its roof leakage in rains, which may cause potential damage to
the rare and delicate historical relics.
As revealed by sources with the museum's organization, during
the pit's roof overhaul, all its 2,000 pieces of relics will be
transferred to the exhibition hall and other makeshift venues.
Among the relics are the terra cotta warriors in a variety of
postures, like the life-sized figures of commanding warriors,
archers and saddle-horse warriors, which were first unearthed from
this pit. Staff said they will have the vacant pit carefully
refilled to protect the relics still lying beneath it.
With a total area of 8,000 square meters, Pit 2 is the most
gorgeous among the three pits discovered near Emperor Qin Shi
Huang's Mausoleum, in city Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. It has been receiving
visitors from home and abroad since 1994. The site is a
world-famous tourist attraction.
Pit 2 of China's ancient
terra cotta warriors in Xi'an, will suspend operations starting
Nov. 1, for about five months to make way for a major roof
renovation.
(Chinanews.cn October 30, 2007)
