The complete set of Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-207 B.C.) bronze chariots and horses were put on display to the public together on Thursday in Xi'an City of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
The first piece of the set, the No. 1 bronze chariot and horse, initially housed at Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, underwent three years of meticulous maintenance before being relocated to the Bronze Chariot and Horse Museum, where the second piece of the set was kept.
The No.1 bronze chariot consists of an open chariot drawn by four bronze horses, with a single standing driver and a bronze umbrella on a stand placed next to him.
The second piece, No.2 bronze chariot, is a closed carriage with two seats and an umbrella-like roof, which is also drawn by four bronze horses.
The two Qin dynasty bronze model chariots, crafted over 2,200 years ago by skilled artisans to replicate the original appearance of the imperial carriage used by Emperor Qinshihuang, were discovered in 1978 at the mausoleum site.
Both models were restored and exhibited at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in the 1980s.
In 2021, the Bronze Chariot and Horse Museum opened just 200 meters away from the official excavation site.
The No. 2 bronze chariot and horse were moved to the museum and made available for public viewing, while the No. 1 bronze chariot and horse underwent protection and restoration at the original exhibition hall at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum.
"The paint on it will naturally age and have related problems over time, and we need to reinforce and touch up areas where it's showing signs of wear, like flaking or powdering," said Liu Jiangwei, staff of the Cultural Relics Protection Department of the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum.
Thursday marked the completion of maintenance for the No. 1 bronze chariot and horse, which was then officially showcased in the Bronze Chariot and Horse Museum.
The two bronze chariots and horses were put on public display together for the first time at their original site since their excavation.
Complete set of Qin Dynasty bronze chariots meet public
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
