The life-size terracotta army was buried in pits near the Qinshihuang Mausoleum to guard the emperor in the afterlife.(Photo: China Daily) Photo Gallery>>>

    There are two gaps in the middle of the eastern and western boundaries respectively, which coincide with two pathways leading to the underground palace, where the emperor's coffin, precious items and a huge map demarcating the length and breadth of his empire, are supposed to be buried.

    Along the outer sides of the structure there are staircases with nine steps each, which are 3 meters high and 2 meters wide. Experts have discovered a pile of broken tiles on the upper stairs, suggesting that some constructions may have taken place at some point. However, they haven't discovered any tiles or traces of construction, right at the top of the structure.

    The earthen mound rising above the ground is the largest among the mausoleums of ancient Chinese emperors, spanning 350 meters at the base, and with a height of 51 meters. Situated under the mound, the underground palace stretches 80 meters from east to west, and 50 meters from north to south, with a 15-meter high ceiling. Its base goes 30 meters under the ground.

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