Transporting the Terracotta Warriors from the Chinese Mainland to Perth: how Cathay made it happen

In 1974, a group of farmers digging a well in Xi’an made an astonishing discovery: an army of life-sized terracotta statues, entombed in the mausoleum of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Intended as imperial guards in the afterlife, these Terracotta Warriors number in the thousands; a testament to the might and ambition of Emperor Qin. 

Now, a collection of Terracotta Warriors is on view at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip in Perth for the first time, accompanied by more than 200 priceless artefacts that reveal a glimpse into life in ancient China. As the airline partner of Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor , Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo played an important part in realising this exhibition.

Our mission was to safely transport the exhibits from the Chinese Mainland to Australia, a distance of more than 22,500 kilometres over land and sea. Given the age and fragility of the artefacts, which date back more than 2,000 years to the Qin and Han dynasties, it was essential to handle them with the utmost care. 

The first step was to devise a customised transport plan with our Australian cargo partner, Global Specialised Services, and their agent partners in the Chinese Mainland. “When transporting cargo with this level of cultural significance and value, we utilise our Cathay Expert and Cathay Secure solutions,” explains Nigel Chynoweth, Cathay’s Regional Head of Cargo, Southwest Pacific. “This ensures we’re providing a personalised experience that best suits the needs of the items we are moving. It also guarantees safe and secure storage, transportation and delivery – all under the eye of CCTV surveillance and highly trained professionals.”  

The artefacts were carried from their origin in Xi’an to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport. We then split the cargo across two passenger flights bound for Perth and one freight aircraft to Melbourne, stopping at our hub in Hong Kong on the way. The objects that landed in Melbourne were then transported by truck to their final destination in Perth. 

“The successful transport of the Terracotta Warriors including over 200 artifacts from Xi’an to Perth demonstrates Cathay Cargo’s knowledge and expertise in moving priceless objects,” says Tom Kennedy, Cathay’s Regional Head of Customer Travel and Lifestyle, Southwest Pacific. “Our partnership with the Western Australian Museum also honours our deep roots in Hong Kong, our proud identity as part of China, and our mission of connecting the world.”  

“We’re incredibly proud that the WA Museum trusted us to move these prized artefacts,” Chynoweth adds. “It has been a very special experience and a real privilege.”

At the WA Museum Boola Bardip exhibition, visitors will encounter the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors alongside ancient weapons and armour, sculptures of a horse and chariot, bronze vessels, palace tiles, pottery and more. Immersive multimedia experiences will take you into the world of imperial China, uncovering the stories of its rulers and its rich cultural traditions.

“What makes this exhibition unique and the first of its kind is its impressive collection of priceless artefacts,” says Director of Engagement, Jason Fair at the Western Australian Museum. “Most of the objects have never been seen in Australia before, with nearly half leaving China for the first time.”

“It is our mission to inspire curiosity,” Mr Fair continues. “We hope people gain an understanding of the culture, history and people of China as well as this pivotal moment in Chinese history.”

Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor is on display until 22 February 2026.