A tourist visiting the Museum of the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang in Shaanxi, China, caused significant damage to the historic site by leaping into an 18-foot pit where the ancient statues are located. The incident, which took place on May 30, was captured on camera and left onlookers in shock.
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Local authorities identified the man responsible for the damage as a 30-year-old “domestic tourist” who reportedly grappled with mental health issues. Following the man’s reckless actions, security personnel intervened and the museum had to close its doors for the remainder of the day to assess the situation and manage the aftermath of the damage.
The tourist’s plunge into the pit resulted in the clay warriors being tampered with, with two of them sustaining varying degrees of harm, according to a statement from the authorities to The Guardian. The man was observed pushing and pulling the ancient statues after he landed in the pit, showcasing a disturbing disregard for the historical significance of the artifacts.
In a video obtained by PEOPLE, the man can be seen lying on the ground post the damage, with his arms raised above his head. Eyewitnesses recounted the alarming sequence of events, with one witness sharing that the tourist first landed on a mid-level platform within the pit before leaping further down to the bottom, much to the disbelief of fellow tourists.
Authorities have disclosed that the man was swiftly contained by security personnel at the scene. Reports suggest that he is undergoing investigation due to his mental health condition. The Museum of the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang remains open to visitors despite the unfortunate incident, signalling efforts to preserve and showcase this historical treasure to the public.
The Terracotta Army, a collection of thousands of intricately crafted terracotta soldiers, dates back to around the 3rd century BC and represents a remarkable funeral art dedicated to safeguarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This archaeological marvel was unearthed in 1974 by local farmers and has since been a significant cultural and historical landmark in China.
While the damage caused by the tourist’s actions is undoubtedly distressing, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving cultural heritage sites. The incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures and visitor education to prevent such occurrences in the future and safeguard invaluable relics for generations to come.
As authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the tourist’s destructive behaviour, there is a collective hope for stricter protections for heritage sites worldwide. The Museum of the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang stands as a poignant reminder of the rich history and legacy that must be cherished and safeguarded for posterity.