This large statue depicting a Xi’an warrior stands as part of a broader exhibit inviting visitors to explore Alicante and its appeal. The display, titled Legacy of the Qin and Han dynasties, China, is showcased at MARQ through January 2024 and draws tourists to the city for a closer look at this historical spectacle.
The sculpture rises eleven meters tall, including the base, with the eight-meter figure crafted by Alicante artist José Manuel García, in collaboration with a team of five. The structure combines a steel frame with expanded polystyrene and a protective elastomer coating to withstand weather conditions while maintaining color and form.
The vivid, multi colored warrior was developed over three months. It represents a faithful recreation of one of the authentic Terracotta Army soldiers, produced in the artist’s studio in Sant Vicent del Raspeig. Carlos Mazón, president of the Provincial Council, visited the site as the project secured the necessary permissions from the Alicante City Council to place it on public display. Installation is planned in the coming days on the esplanade where the exhibition will be located.
Carlos Mazón with the Xi’an warrior statue.
According to Mazón, the project ranks among the year’s key cultural events in Spain and marks a significant addition to Alicante’s museum program. He noted that the exhibition is already drawing crowds, averaging more than a thousand visitors per day, underscoring its popularity. The display speaks to both locals and visitors, underscoring Alicante’s growing role as a cultural hub. The statue represents a blend of local talent and international history, making a bold statement for the city’s cultural landscape.
Secrets of Xi’an warriors before, during, and after
The new exhibition is housed at the Archaeological Museum of Alicante. It features objects and items shown publicly for the first time and opened in late March. It has already attracted nearly 47,000 visitors, surpassing early expectations. The display selects 120 original works from nine Chinese institutions, including nine statues and a horse, forming a curated cultural journey.
Teaching materials
The exhibition presents an original and carefully designed layout with didactic resources accessible to all visitors. Sensory elements create an immersive experience, with scents such as cherry and rice in the first space, incense in the second, and lotus, flower, and tea in the third. Music composed for the show by Alicante-based Luis Ivars accompanies and envelops visitors throughout the tour.
The Xi’an Warriors are recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1987. The display in Alicante is the culmination of years of negotiation and collaboration with Chinese authorities, highlighting cultural exchange and shared history.