The Terracotta Army has lain underground for more than 2000 years. However, in 1974, farmers digging a well uncovered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. The first part of the Terracotta Army site to be discovered was named Vault One. In 1976, two other vaults were uncovered 20-25 meters from Vault One, and were named Vault Two and Vault Three.

Pit No.1 is in oblong shape, covering an area of 14260 square meters. There are five sloping entrances on the eastern and western side of the pit respectively.

Down inside the tunnel, there are ten earth-rammed partition walls, across which huge and strong rafters were placed, covered with mats and fine soil and filling earth. The floors are paved with bricks.The terracotta warriors and horses in Pit No.1 are arrayed in a practical battle formation. In the long corridor to the east end of the pit stand three rows of terracotta warriors in battle tunics and puttees, facing east, 70 in each row, totaling 210 altogether. Armed with bows and arrows, they constitute the vanguard.There is one row of warriors in the south, north and west of the corridor respectively, facing outward. They are probably the flanks and the rear guard. Holding crossbows, arrows and other long-distance shooting weapons, they took up the job of defending the whole battle formation. The ten rammed partition walls divided Pit No.1 into eleven latitudinal passage ways where stand 38 columns of warriors with horse-drawn chariots in the center.