A 30-year-old Chinese tourist damaged two ancient terracotta warriors at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in Xi’an, China, on Friday. According to local officials, the man climbed over guardrails and a protective net, jumped more than 15 feet into Pit No. 3, and pushed and pulled the clay figures, causing varying degrees of damage before being restrained by security. Authorities suspect the man suffers from mental illness, and the case remains under investigation. The site reopened the following day.
This incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the protection of one of the world's most significant archaeological treasures, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. The Terracotta Army, created around 209 BCE to accompany Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife, is the only known mass-produced collection of military sculptures globally. The damage follows a 2023 incident in which a man stole a thumb from a warrior on loan to a U.S. museum, underscoring persistent security challenges at both the site and traveling exhibitions.