Archaeological discoveries are two of the biggest draw cards in Xi'an. The Army of Terracotta Warriors provide one of China‘s top historical sights, having been preserved for 2000 years in an underground vault of earth and timber. Life size terracotta soldiers and their horses in battle formation were discovered in 1974. Every figure differs in facial features and expressions.

The Banpo Neolithic Village appears to have been occupied from 4500 BC until around 3750 BC and was discovered in 1953. A large hall covers the residential area of the original village. The ruins include residential dwellings, pottery manufacturing, burial locations and storage cellars. Museum displays of artifacts are on site.