Renovated exhibition hall of Terracotta Army Pit No 2 opens to public

XI’AN — The exhibition hall of Pit No 2 at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum officially will reopen to the public on Oct 1, 2026, following a comprehensive exhibition upgrade. The renovation marks an all-round upgrade of the pit’s display system, bringing greater academic depth, systematic interpretation, smart technologies, and immersive visitor experiences.

First opened to visitors in Oct 1994, Pit No 2 has long served as a core site for research into the Qin Dynasty’s military systems, troop formations, craftsmanship and cultural ethos. Over the past three decades, sustained archaeological excavation, relic protection and academic research have yielded abundant findings, laying a solid foundation for the latest exhibition upgrade. To meet rising public demand for high-quality cultural experiences and keep pace with advanced museum display concepts and digital technologies, the museum carried out a systematic renovation to revitalize the value of this world-famous heritage site.

The upgrade incorporates cutting-edge archaeological discoveries, heritage protection outcomes, and multidisciplinary research results accumulated since 1994. Redesigned with structured thematic narratives, the exhibition hall covers ten core sections, including archaeological progress, pit architectural structures, diverse military formations, typical terracotta figures, and unearthed architectural relics. The grouped display logic fits the pit’s original layout and allows visitors to access complete historical information freely, regardless of their visiting routes.

Adopting an integrated display model combining static interpretation and dynamic digital experiences, the upgraded hall applies XR technology and dynamic light-and-shadow projections to visualize abstract knowledge of military formations and archaeological research. The design turns static ancient ruins into an interactive, readable cultural scene. As the largest exhibition space among the three Terracotta Warrior pits, the renovated hall functions as a core window to interpret the historical and spiritual value of the Terracotta Army, showcasing the Qin Dynasty’s vision of unification, institutional order, and pioneering spirit.

The museum also optimized visitor circulation and supporting facilities. Dual visiting routes cater to diverse needs: an in-depth academic route focusing on professional research and detailed relic interpretation for study tours and enthusiasts, and a streamlined popular science route with simplified displays for casual visitors. Furthermore, upgraded lighting, safety protection systems, and guide signs, together with newly added popular science illustrations and rest areas, greatly enhance visiting comfort and knowledge accessibility.

Beyond hardware upgrades, the project represents an innovative practice in cultural inheritance and heritage revitalization. It systematically interprets the historical, artistic, technological, and spiritual value of Pit No 2, elevating the narrative from material relic display to the interpretation of ancient Chinese institutional civilization.

Strictly complying with national cultural heritage protection standards, the renovation explores a standardized model for large heritage site protection, academic interpretation, and public communication, providing a replicable experience for exhibition upgrades and heritage activation at domestic museums.

Moving forward, the museum will continue to advance relic protection, archaeological research, and exhibition innovation, promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of Qin cultural heritage. The upgraded Pit No 2 exhibition hall is open to the public on a long-term basis, offering visitors an in-depth insight into the profound heritage of China’s ancient unification civilization.