The terra cotta soldiers are remarkably realistic sculptures. The figures are mostly 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches) in height, the lower part of the body being solid and the upper part hollow. Originally the figures were painted in bright colors however, over the two thousand years they have silently stood guard, the color has faded and worn off. The squarish faces of the warriors feature broad foreheads and wide, thick-lipped mouths. Their eyes focus on the far distance and some bear an ornate hairstyle. The muscular horses have big bright eyes, large nostrils, stout legs and plump waists and hips and are poised ready to gallop.

Tunic infantryman unearthed in Pit 1 wear a knee-length tunic, short trousers, puttees and curved shoes and would carried crossbows in their hands. Their hair is wound in topknots while some have beards. The clothes were designed to allow freedom of movement.

Armored soldiers unearthed in Pit 1, stand 189 cm in height and would each have had a sword in his left hand. They were heavily armored with a brown cape and a red cap and green shin guards.

War chariots A two wheeled chariot with a round canopy, 1.2 meters in length and 1.3 meters in width, is pulled by four pottery horses flanked by two spear men with a central charioteer. The horses measure 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) in height and 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) in length. The charioteer wears a long robe under armor that protects his chest, back and shoulders. His arm extends forward as if he is holding reins.

Most chariots found in Pit 1 are considered to have been command carts from which generals had commanded troops.

Armored general unearthed in the Pit 1, standing some 197 cm in height. Generals wore two layers of robes covered by colored plate armor. This armor consisted of three parts: the 96.5 cm long front section covered the chest and abdomen, the 61 cm long rear portion protected the back and the waist with a small cape fashioned from 160 copper plates. The edge was decorated with geometrical floral motif. A general stands upright with his hands seemly resting on the sword handle. He wore a brown cap and upward curving shoes. His fearless and intrepid expression reflects his authority and experience.

Saddled steed stands 172 cm in height and 203 cm in length with a halter. Red, blue or brown saddle sits atop a shabrack, secured to the horse back with a single girth.

Chariot horses unearthed in the Pit 1, Pit 2 and Pit 3, the chariot teams feature strong limbs, large heads, protruding noses, short necks and wide shoulders.

Kneeling archers unearthed in the Pit 2, kneel on their right knees and would have held a crossbow against the right hip to keep it steady prior to firing. There have been 160 archers unearthed in Pit 2.

The standing archers stand with the left foot forward, leg slightly bent and the right leg straight. Their left arm stretches to the front while the right arm is held back to the chest. This is a position from which they are primed for an assault on the enemy.

Cavalryman: Found in Pit 2, the figure, some 180 cm in height, wears a narrow-sleeved knee-length jerkin under body armor, narrow trousers, boots, and a round cap. He holds his horse's reins in his right hand and a crossbow in the left. These horsemen were thought to serve as messengers during a battle.