Five terra-cotta warriors are standing sentry in Beijing's Olympic Park. During the Games, people who have tickets to the Bird's Nest or the Water Cube are entitled to free admission to the exhibition. This is only one of 30 exhibitions around the park that tell the stories of China.
It's rare to see the terra cotta warriors in Beijing. The army was commissioned by China's first emperor Qinshihuang. These five originals are standing in Olympic Park for the enjoyment of visitors from home and abroad.
Wu Yongqi, curator of Qinshihuang terra cotta warriors museum, said, "The Olympic Games is not only a grand sports event for people around the world, it's also a window for China. The games send a message of peace and good wish to the entire world. They are a showcase of China's long history and rich culture. We have a responsibility to protect the Qinshihuang's terra cotta warriors. But we've had great international assistance to protect this ancient legacy."
The terra cotta warriors of emperor Qinshihuang are among the most important archeological finds of the 20th century. They were discovered in an underground palace, in 1974. Every year since then, millions of tourists from China and around the world have viewed them. The warriors sometimes are called the eighth wonder of the world. Now people who have come to enjoy the Games also have a chance to enjoy one of China's greatest historic treasures.
(CCTV.com August 9, 2008)
