How Discovered: Two large scale-models of bronze chariots came unearthed in December, 1980, about 20 meters east of Emperor Qin's mausoleum. They were tagged Chariot No. 1 and No. 2 respectively.

Both required extensive restorations, over two and half years, before displayable in public. No. 2 was unveiled first in 1983, then No.1 in 1988.These were encased in a wooden box measuring 6.8 x 2.1x 2 meters for over two thousand years. And the box was buried 8 meters down in a trench. The trench runs 7 meters east to west, with a width of 2.3 meters.

They are constructed with bronze and cast bullion. There are 1720 gold and silver pieces, weighing 7 kilograms. No. 1 chariot is in the lead, with a four-horse team. The chariot has been painted white by conservation workers.

Originally buried 20 meters west of the Emperor's mausoleum, two chariots faced west in large 7-meter-long (23 feet in length) and 2.3 meters wide (7.54 feet in width) wooden coffins. They were thought to be half the actual size and were supposed to serve as the vehicle for the emperor's inspection tours in his afterlife. The colorful square carriages are decorated with geometric and cloud patterns. Coachmen armed with swords guard the chariots on both sides.