China's Emperor began planning for his voyage to the afterworld when he was just 13 years old. That's when 700,000 workers began construction on a mausoleum that, when completed, became an elaborate necropolis that served as Shi Huang Di's eternal palace. What's most remarkable about this complex isn't the offices, halls and gateways found throughout, but the thousands of terracotta figures that were discovered when the mausoleum was uncovered by archaeologists in 1974.

Located in Xian, the emperor's Terracotta Army is estimated to consist of over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots pulled by 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses lined up in perfect formation in three vast pits. These life-like figures are also life-sized. The warriors range in height, dress and hairstyle according to their military rank. Each has unique facial expressions and features, and is positioned in the formation according to their particular rank and duty station.

Historians determined that the terracotta figures were made both by local craftsmen and in workshops by imperial laborers. Each head, arm, leg and torso was created separately, with the warriors assembled only after being fired. The colored lacquer finish that has long since faded gave each warrior a realistic appearance, and the real weapons once held by the figures were believed to have been stolen during a raid on the tomb shortly after the death of the First Emperor.

The tomb of Shi Huang Di, located near a nearly 250-foot tall pyramid remains unopened to this very day, but the thousands of terracotta warriors are a testament to the power of China's First Emperor.

Visit this remarkable site with the Ancient Capitals of China: Beijing and Xian With Unique Access excursion. View Itineraries for a complete list of cruises that visit Shanghai.