Pit 2 of China's ancient terra cotta warriors in Xi'an, will suspend operations for about five months to make way for a major roof renovation. The pit is scheduled to close on November 1 and may open again to the public around May Day holidays next year.

A terra cotta warrior and horse from Pit 2 in this undated photo. Pit 2 of China's ancient terra cotta warriors in Xi'an, will suspend operations starting Nov. 1, for about five months to make way for a major roof renovation.

The overhaul of Pit 2 came in light of the worsening condition of its roof leakage in rains, which may cause potential damage to the rare and delicate historical relics.

As revealed by sources with the museum's organization, during the pit's roof overhaul, all its 2,000 pieces of relics will be transferred to the exhibition hall and other makeshift venues. Among the relics are the terra cotta warriors in a variety of postures, like the life-sized figures of commanding warriors, archers and saddle-horse warriors, which were first unearthed from this pit. Staff said they will have the vacant pit carefully refilled to protect the relics still lying beneath it.

With a total area of 8,000 square meters, Pit 2 is the most gorgeous among the three pits discovered near Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, in city Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. It has been receiving visitors from home and abroad since 1994. The site is a world-famous tourist attraction.

Pit 2 of China's ancient terra cotta warriors in Xi'an, will suspend operations starting Nov. 1, for about five months to make way for a major roof renovation.

(Chinanews.cn October 30, 2007)