On May 30, 2025, an incident occurred at the Terracotta Army museum in Xi'an, China, where a 30-year-old tourist, surnamed Sun, damaged two Terracotta Warrior statues. The individual climbed over the barriers and protective netting surrounding the exhibit before pushing and pulling on the ancient clay figures.
The Terracotta Army, dating back to around 209 BC, represents a significant archaeological find and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The statues suffered varying degrees of damage, and local police are investigating, with initial findings suggesting the tourist has a mental illness.
Despite the damage, the Terracotta Army site remains open to the public. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of preserving delicate historical artifacts while allowing public access. The Terracotta Army, created to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, continues to be a major cultural and historical landmark.